Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and globally it is being observed under the theme, “Working Together To Prevent Suicide.” Here in Guyana, the Ministry of Health has adopted the same theme.
Photo Source: https://www.paho.org/en/topics/suicide-prevention
Although there has been significant improvement in suicide prevention in Guyana, the Ministry of Health stated that it would not cease to take steps aimed at improving services in mental health in general and reducing suicide in particular.
“We need social workers at all health centres, serving their respective geographical areas to implement multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral interventions needed to promote healthy outcomes, and thereby prevent mental disease during the lifespan of every Guyanese,” the Ministry underscored.
Moreover, the Ministry stated that it would continue to build capacity for mental health care, while at the same time strengthening our human resources for mental health services. In this regard, health care workers will be trained at the primary level to ensure early detection of anyone showing suicidal inclinations.
“We will work to provide training of more children and adolescent medical personnel to guarantee the healthy and resilient transition of our young people into adulthood so that they can realize their full potential in their lifetime.”
Given that many suicides in Guyana are related to alcohol and other substance abuse, the Ministry is also planning to enhance its capacity for treatment and care and re-integrate persons who have recovered back into communities.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and the concomitant increase in stressors, there could easily be an upsurge in mental illness. Hence, the need for social workers in communities is even more critical at this time.
Besides, businesses dealing with pesticide and other toxic chemicals, the Ministry noted, must play their rightful role in suicide prevention.
In collaboration with the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, the Ministry will implement laws and regulations governing the acquisition, storage, use, and disposal of these substances, as well as move to acquire the appropriate antidotes.
“In the fight against suicide, everyone everywhere can contribute. It is especially important to involve Police, fire-fighters, and other first responders, teachers, media professionals, religious leaders, community leaders, and other non-medical persons for faster detection of vulnerable persons in our communities.”
As a result, the Ministry noted that “we all” have a collective responsibility to ensure that our family members, friends, neighbours, and other loved ones are supported to prevent suicide. Depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviors are illnesses that can affect anyone.
“If your loved one or friend is unsure where to start, offer to help them find the right mental health provider, such as a physician, mental health counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.”
Employers are also being urged to play an essential role in reducing stress and recognizing distress and suicidal behaviour.
“Employers should consult with their employees to identify the causes of job stress and have policies and interventions in place to address them. These can include problematic managers or colleagues, poor working conditions, hazards, low pay, and long working schedules, among other things.”
The Ministry of Health stated that it recognizes that mental health legislation in Guyana is antiquated, resulting in social stigma and discrimination against those affected. Toward this end, the Ministry will take steps to update its laws in keeping with modern best practices to help mental health patients throughout Guyana.
“We will also work with communities across the country to revive existing programmes, such as the Gatekeepers and Life Savers, in order to ensure greater involvement to reduce suicide.”
As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, the Ministry is encouraging all teachers, non-governmental organizations, parents, first responders, health care workers, religious leaders, and indeed all Guyanese to become more aware of their unique roles in this nation-wide effort to lower suicide in Guyana.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
- Telephone numbers: (+592) 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896, 623-4444
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: +592-600-7896, 592- 623-4444
- Facebook: Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line
