Q COSTARICA — Suicide attempts in Costa Rica show the highest incidence among 10- to 19-year-olds, according to the Ministry of Health’s 2025 behavioral data.
“In the 10- to 19-year-old age group, the female rate is between two and four times that of males,” the document details.
According to the institution, this gap is related to various social conditions that particularly affect adolescent girls.
The Ministry of Health mentions that young women have higher rates of exposure to sexual and psychological violence, which is linked to the emergence of suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
Experts also emphasize that adolescence, in general, involves complex emotional and social processes.
“This stage involves pressures related to academic performance, perfection, and physical appearance—factors associated with depression, anxiety, negative emotions, and impulsivity,” the analysis indicates.
The ministry also mentions situations of violence, physical punishment, or bullying as factors that can influence the emergence of suicidal behavior in minors.
Although the highest incidence is concentrated among adolescents, the report identifies particular behaviors in other age groups.
For example, in the 5-to-9-year-old group, boys have higher rates than girls, a difference that the Ministry links to possible situations of violence or physical discipline.
“In children, these differences may be related to greater exposure to forms of violence, physical punishment, harsh discipline, or bullying,” the institution emphasized.
The Costa Rican Association of Psychiatry (ASOCOPSI) had highlighted that the risk is appearing at very young ages.
“From the age of 8, there are children who are already exhibiting suicidal behavior or suicidal ideation, or suicides that occur, but which, of course, cannot be made public,” explains Francisco Golcher, president of the Association; emphasizing that the information is not circulated to prevent imitation.
“Yes, there have been cases of people between the ages of 8 and 12 who have already attempted or committed suicide,” he mentioned.
Adults over 70
Meanwhile, at the other end of the age spectrum, adults over 70 also present a distinct pattern. Men register more suicide attempts than women.
“This phenomenon may be related to social and emotional factors associated with aging,” the ministry indicated.
These include loss of social contact, widowhood, isolation, reduced family support, and decreased community participation after retirement.
The report also points out that some older men face cultural barriers to seeking help.
“There is a sociocultural element where vulnerability is not accepted, which means that some men do not voluntarily access mental health services or medical care to treat depressive symptoms,” they warn.
Women
According to the Ministry of Health, in 2025 the suicide attempt rate among women reached 101.5 per 100,000 inhabitants.
While the rate for men was 53.1, the female rate was 1.91 times higher.
“Suicide attempts are more frequent among women, associated with various social factors, such as greater exposure to gender-based violence, unpaid care work, structural inequalities in access to opportunities, and higher levels of psychosocial stressors linked to gender norms,” the Ministry of Health stated.
Furthermore, authorities emphasize that suicide attempts represent a high-priority public health problem, given their complexity, social impact, and potential for prevention.
Higher Incidence
Overall, Costa Rica ended 2025 with 4,016 suicide attempts. A territorial analysis reveals significant differences in the pattern.
The cases by province are:
- San José: 1,229
- Alajuela: 889
- Heredia: 514
- Puntarenas: 493
- Cartago: 366
- Limón: 361
- Guanacaste: 164
“San José has the highest number of cases; however, this is because it is the most populated province. Based on rates per 100,000 inhabitants, provinces such as Puntarenas, Heredia, and Alajuela register a proportionally higher incidence than the capital,” explained the Ministry of Health.
Authorities explain that these territorial differences are due to the interaction of multiple social factors.
“Provinces with higher levels of poverty, unemployment, inequality, violence, or limited access to mental health services tend to show higher rates of suicide attempts,” they warned.
At the cantonal level, Flores, Palmares, and Osa have the highest rates in the country.
However, in terms of the total number of cases, Pococí has the highest number of reported cases, with more than 150 attempts registered.
“This highlights priority areas where efforts to strengthen prevention, early detection, and mental health care are needed,” the experts conclude.