Guyana records decline in suicide cases – Clinical Psychologist

– says more holistic approach is needed to further reduce scourge

To date, Guyana has recorded a significant decline in suicide cases, according to Clinical Physiologist Dr Mark Constantine, who is also the Head of the Health Ministry Psychology Services, Training and Education.
The well-seasoned physiologist made this discourse during a recent televised programme ‘Health Matters.’ During his presentation, Dr Constantine explained that while suicide is a global issue, Guyana has made significant strides in combatting the scourge.

“I’m not going to divulge statistics or anything like that, but suicide is still there like in many other societies in the world. But what I can tell you is that we have seen a decline, tremendous decline, in attempts both in successful suicide and those who attempt suicide,” he stated.
He added that this decline is due to the aggressive approach undertaken by the Health Ministry over the years. “And this is largely due to the aggressive work that has been carried out by the Ministry of Health and by extension the Mental Health Unit.”
Moreover, to further reduce or even potentially eliminate suicide cases within the country Dr Constantine explained that a more holistic approach must be undertaken.
“The prevention of suicide comes with awareness. We spread a lot of awareness and I need to say that trying to alleviate the sport of suicide that we have in society is not a one-man show and we’re not going to be successful if we approach it from that angle. It is everybody’s business to try to prevent suicide” he stated.
As such he highlighted that the Ministry’s Mental Health Unit has been actively working with stakeholders to further sensitize citizens and spread awareness.
“The Ministry of Health and the mental health unit have been partnering with different agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in trying to prevent this problem that we have. We do so through training sessions, through the printing of educational materials, awareness in schools, and at the community level” he said.
To date, the Ministry has partnered with several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), across all 10 administrative regions. Through these partnerships, multiple community outreaches were conducted among other initiatives.
Meanwhile, earlier this month it was reported that, this year Guyana recorded a total of 40 cases from January to August. In 2023, the Health Ministry had recorded 100 deaths by suicide across the country.
During an interview with the Guyana Times Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony explained that the number of cases this year is relatively low and the Health Ministry is on a mission to keep it that way.
“I think we’re improving. At one time Guyana had the second-highest rate of suicide. Not the absolute numbers but relative to our population because when you do these numbers with the WHO (World Health Organization) it is how many persons commit suicide per hundred thousand. So, when we do it that way it looks like a huge number but the absolute number as compared to many other countries is relatively low, even so we believe that that is high,” Dr Anthony said.
Notably, over the last three years, the majority of the deaths were as a result of pesticide use followed by persons hanging themselves. Persons battling suicide often experience suicidal thoughts due to various stressors, including shame, work-related stress, family and personal issues, anxiety, and depression.
However, support and assistance provided to these individuals can be life-changing, especially since many lack a robust support network. Recognizing this, the Mental Health Unit through a partnership with the Canadian non-profit organization – International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) trained and certified 800 individuals this year as community gatekeepers.
These individuals were equipped with the knowledge and skills need understand how stigma can impact a suicidal person’s life, help them explore how they might overcome prejudice and discrimination related to their suicide attempt/mental health or how they might internalize the stigma, resulting in shame, depression and lowered self-esteem.
This year, World Suicide Prevention Day was observed on September 10 under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”. The Suicide Prevention Hotline in Guyana can be reached on 223-0001/09, 600-7896 and 623-4444. Call for professional counselling.