A 19-year-old Cuban woman, identified as Lisneisi Pérez Barzaga, tragically died this Friday after jumping from the 12th floor of the 18-Story Building located in the Montecarlo neighborhood of Camagüey. The incident, which took place in the afternoon, prompted a swift response from local authorities.
Witnesses described hearing screams followed by widespread shock within the building and its surrounding area. “It's incredibly sad. You never know what someone might be going through internally. The whole building is in disbelief,” said a resident who chose to remain anonymous. Another neighbor added, “She was a very strong and joyful girl... always helping others, very kind and loving. I don't know what could have happened.”
As of now, no official details have been disclosed regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. According to La Tijera on Facebook, the young woman was the mother of a small child. This incident adds to a series of recent events that have raised concerns within the community about mental health, support for young people, and the need to strengthen psychosocial support networks.
Concerns Over Mental Health and Support Systems
The most recent statistics on suicides in Cuba, from the year 2022, show a rate of 12.9 suicides per 100,000 people, as reported by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). This figure marks a decrease from the previous year, 2021, when the rate was 16 per 100,000. Despite this reduction, suicide remains one of the top ten causes of death in the country. Compared to the global average of 9.49 suicides per 100,000 and the average in the Americas of 7.3, Cuba's rate remains high.
Experts have highlighted a troubling rise in suicides among young people and adolescents, particularly those aged 12 to 35. Factors such as the economic crisis, declining living conditions, and inadequate access to mental health services have been identified as potential contributors to this phenomenon.
Understanding the Mental Health Crisis in Cuba
What was the tragic incident involving Lisneisi Pérez Barzaga?
Lisneisi Pérez Barzaga, a 19-year-old woman, died after jumping from the 12th floor of a building in Camagüey, Cuba.
How is the suicide rate in Cuba compared to global and regional averages?
Cuba's suicide rate is 12.9 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the global average of 9.49 and the regional average in the Americas of 7.3.
What are some identified causes for the rising suicide rates among young people in Cuba?
The increase in suicide rates among young people in Cuba has been attributed to the economic crisis, poor living conditions, and lack of access to adequate mental health services.