Summary
- Torrevieja will host the IV National Congress of the Spanish Society of Suicidology on September 18, 2025.
- The event aims to break the taboo around suicide by promoting education, prevention, and open conversations.
- Experts will discuss topics such as insomnia’s role in suicide prevention, mental health in elite sports, and genetic research.
- Special focus will be given to suicide prevention in schools and postvention support for survivors.
- Registration closes on September 10, 2025, and the event targets healthcare professionals, educators, students, and families.
Torrevieja Breaks the Silence on Suicide with National Congress
On September 18,2025,the coastal city of Torrevieja will become a beacon of hope and knowledge as it hosts the IV National Congress of the Spanish Society of Suicidology. Under the motto “Talk, Educate, Prevent”, this landmark event brings together leading specialists, researchers, educators, and institutional representatives committed to tackling suicide prevention head-on.
Why This Congress Matters
Suicide remains a pressing public health issue worldwide, and breaking the silence around it is a critical first step towards prevention. The congress aligns with the World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, a date promoted globally by the World Health Institution (WHO) and the International Association for suicide Prevention.
Torrevieja’s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, will inaugurate the event, emphasizing the city’s dedication to social awareness and collaborative action in suicide prevention efforts across Spain’s national and regional levels.
Key Topics and Speakers
The congress agenda dives deep into crucial and emerging areas, including:
- Insomnia and Despair: Specialists José Martínez Raga and Jesús Mesones will explore how sleep quality significantly impacts mental health and suicide risk.
- Mental Health in Elite Sports: Psychologist Lola Collado and Olympic medalist Daniel Plaza will discuss the tough balance between competitive sports and psychological wellbeing.
- Genetic insights: Enrique Baca and Lucía Albarracín will present groundbreaking research on the genetic factors linked to suicidal behaviors through the Smartomics Study.
- Severe Mental Disorders: Rafael Mora and María Pardo will analyze suicide risks connected to early psychotic episodes and depression.
- Suicide Prevention in Classrooms: A dedicated panel moderated by Ricardo Recuero will highlight the role of schools as frontline defenders in prevention strategies, featuring experts from the Valencian Ministry of Education and Health.
- Postvention and Survivor Voices: The congress will also focus on support for survivors,emphasizing the importance of community healing through the voices of those affected.
Congress Schedule at a Glance
| Time | Session | Speakers / Moderators |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 - 9:45 | Registration & materials | Auditorio Internacional de Torrevieja |
| 9:45 – 10:00 | Institutional Panel | Eduardo Dolón, José Cano, Bartolomé Pérez, Jesús Mesones |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | National and Regional Suicide Prevention Updates | Andoni Anseán, Eduardo Aguilar |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | Insomnia and Suicide Prevention | José Martínez Raga, Jesús Mesones |
| 11:15 - 12:00 | Mental Health in Elite sports | Lola Collado, Daniel Plaza |
| 12:00 – 12:45 | Genetics of Suicide Research (Smartomics) | Enrique Baca, Lucía Albarracín |
| 12:45 – 14:00 | Suicide and Severe Mental disorders | Rafael Mora, María Pardo |
| 15:30 – 16:45 | Postvention: Survivor Voices | Moderator: Raquel Martínez; Speakers: Lucía Abietar, Ascensión Moreno |
| 16:45 – 18:00 | Suicide prevention in Schools | Moderator: Ricardo Recuero; Generalitat Valenciana Education and Health Officials |
| 18:00 – 18:45 | Keynote: Talk, Educate, Prevent | Luis Gutiérrez Rojas, Psychiatrist & Public Educator |
| 18:45 – 19:00 | Congress Conclusions & closing | Rosa Cañón, Jesús Mesones |
Who Should Attend?
This congress is designed for a wide range of audiences dedicated to suicide prevention, including:
- Mental health professionals: psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers
- Educators, school counselors, and pedagogues
- Communicators and media professionals
- University students preparing for careers in healthcare and social fields
- Nonprofit organizations and family members committed to mental health awareness
Registration is free and open untill September 10, 2025.interested participants can register and find more details at the official congress website: www.congresosuicidologia.es.
Final Thoughts
With suicide being one of the leading causes of death globally, raising awareness and providing practical prevention strategies have never been more urgent. Torrevieja’s initiative to host the IV national Congress of the Spanish Society of Suicidology represents a courageous and essential step towards demystifying suicide, educating communities, and ultimately saving lives.
By fostering dialog among experts and the public, and by highlighting the latest scientific discoveries, this congress promises to be a milestone event in spain’s continued efforts to promote mental health and prevent suicide.
Sources:
- Todo Alicante: https://www.todoalicante.es/alicante-provincia/torrevieja-rompe-tabu-suicidio-congreso-nacional-20250903160309-nt.html
- World Health Organization – suicide Prevention: https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1
- International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://iasp.info/resources/World_Suicide_Prevention_Day/