SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR AND THE PERINATAL PERIOD: TABOO AND MISUNDERSTANDING

Abstract

Suicide is the leading cause of death for women during the perinatal period, which commences in pregnancy and finishes one year after delivery. Empirical evidence from previous studies shows that pregnant women have greater suicidal ideation than their comparison group in the general population. However, there is a tendency for these problems to be neither prevented nor adequately recognized. Nevertheless, if the dissonances and dilemmas associated with motherhood, as well as mental health problems, are not prevented or adequately addressed, they can affect the well-being of women, their children, and other family members. Risk and protective factors for suicidal behavior in this group of women are discussed, as well as general principles of action. The need for the implementation of prevention strategies is highlighted.

Keywords

• suicidal behavior
• suicide
• pregnancy
• postpartum
• perinatal
• prevention.