Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) -- According to the Guestalt Institute of Lima, approximately 50 cases of child suicide have been registered in Peru this year.

The Institute also warned that this figure may increase as most schools in Peru have concluded the school year and are in the process of issuing student report cards.

Manuel Saravia Oliver, a psychotherapist and Director of the Guestalt Institute, explained there have been a total of 350 suicides in Peru this year, of which 49 correspond to children between the ages of 8 and 17.

"Decemeber is usually a high month for child suicide as some children become seriously depressed when they receive poor grades, fail a course, or even receive news that they will have to repeat the school year," expressed Oliver.

Oliver explained children can make that fatal decision due to family conflicts and pressure put on them by their parents regarding positive academic results.

He also called on parents to heed warning signs such as depression, changes in sleep patterns and appetite, physical injuries, irritability, and a general lack of interest and seek professional help.