In addressing the opening of the University of Guyana’s Public Forum on Phycology, which commenced on Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel, Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings said Government is committed to fighting suicide and will continue to invest the necessary resources to make this possible.
While admitting that a lack of resources is one of the impediments in fighting this scourge more effectively, the Minister acknowledged the work that has already been undertaken to ensure that people get the help and advice that they need in order to reduce the numbers of suicides locally.
“The scope of this problem is widespread. Its causes are multiple. We have implemented several solutions, but we need resources to establish sustainable approaches,” she said. Guyana, she said, needs to develop a culture of early intervention where persons can be taught to value and validate their worth.
“Psychologically we are concerned about emotional and coping resources that embrace life in a transformative way than resort to death. We are also thinking about getting our young people more involved in national programmes of volunteerism where they can use their energies to help others.”
Dr Cummings noted that depression, stress and intimate failures are all part of life, adding that Government has more resources to establish more hotlines so as to help families recognise depression and cope with mental illnesses.
The University of Guyana in collaboration with the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations will be hosting a series of events across Guyana to speak about suicide, youth violence and professional psychology. Several highly respected persons in these fields will be addressing the various events that are scheduled to take place in Georgetown, Anna Regina, New Amsterdam and Linden.
As of January 2018, persons will have the opportunity to attend courses for psychology at the University of Guyana (UG), following the launch of the programme at the institution’s Turkeyen campus.
According to the Department of Public Information, the programme seeks to increase the number of mental health providers available to evaluate and treat psychological conditions, reduce the high rate of suicide and also increase awareness, prevention, support, and compassion for those suffering from mental illness. It also provides professional growth and development for those currently in the mental health workforce, under-graduate and graduate-level clinical psychology training.
It was highlighted that the development and enhancement of competence in the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of psychological problems would not only increase the level of professionalism of the field but reduce the burden of mental illness among the general population.
The psychology programme will offer a certificate and diploma, a bachelor’s degree in general psychology slated for September 2018 and a Masters in clinical psychology which will be set aside for June 2018.
