Suicide is now the leading cause of premature death among men in Barcelona, according to the city’s latest public health report.

This significant shift, detailed in the 2024 Health Report from the Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB), reflects a changing landscape of mortality where prevention efforts have successfully reduced deaths from other causes.

Report Highlights Changing Mortality Patterns

In 2023, there were 103 suicides recorded in the city, with 67 of those being men.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

The report’s manager, Joan Ramon Villalbí, clarified that this new ranking does not necessarily indicate a rise in suicide numbers. Instead, it highlights a decrease in other premature mortality causes, such as traffic accidents and overdoses. Consequently, suicide has moved to the forefront of public health concerns for men.

Furthermore, the data reveals stark territorial inequalities. Between 2010 and 2024, suicide rates were highest among men in the districts of Sants-Montjuïc and Ciutat Vella. For women, the most elevated rates were concentrated in Les Corts, Gràcia, and Eixample. This geographical disparity underscores the need for targeted, community-specific mental health interventions.

Meanwhile, breast cancer remains the leading cause of premature death for women in Barcelona. The city’s early detection programme, active for over 25 years, has been a key tool. In 2023, participation reached 50.4%, with coverage exceeding 60% in more disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Mental Health Crisis Demands Focus

The report also sheds light on a broader mental health crisis. Anxiety and depression were the most frequently diagnosed problems in primary care during 2024. There were nearly 29,500 new cases of anxiety, which were more common in women, young people, and lower-income areas. Additionally, close to 9,300 new cases of depression were registered.

“From the city council, we want to focus on this problem; emotional well-being is a priority axis for our government,” stated Councillor for Health, Marta Villanueva. She highlighted collaborative work with entities and the launch of the ‘EstarB’ service in 2025. The city’s approach emphasises community health, with over 230 interventions carried out last year. “Health starts right next to home,” Villanueva said, pointing to joint work with the Generalitat to expand primary care centres (CAPs).

This focus on community support is critical, especially as the city grapples with wider social pressures linked to the ongoing housing crisis. Financial stress and instability are known contributors to poor mental health outcomes.

On a positive note, the ASPB analysis confirms a recovery in key health indicators following the pandemic. In 2023, life expectancy returned to near pre-pandemic levels: 87.5 years for women and 82 years for men. Air quality improvement is another factor having a clear effect. The reduction in pollution has contributed to fewer deaths and illnesses, with a notable 28% drop in childhood asthma cases attributable to pollution between 2018 and 2024.

The report’s findings present a complex picture of public health in Barcelona. While life expectancy is excellent and environmental gains are being made, the rising prominence of suicide as a cause of premature death, particularly among men, signals an urgent need for enhanced mental health strategies and support systems across the city.

Join our WhatsApp broadcast channel for instant news updates!

Source: Read original article