Dr Georgia Rose, Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA). (Photo: Jermaine Stewart)
SAINT JAMES, Jamaica — Jamaicans are being urged to take advantage of mental health services available in the public health system to reduce the risk of suicide.
The appeal came from Dr Georgia Rose, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), as India marks World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 on Tuesday, September 10.
This annual event is a global call to action to raise awareness and promote efforts in suicide prevention around the world.
Jamaica’s suicide rate has averaged 2 per 100,000 people per year over a 5- to 10-year period.
Dr Rose said that while it is believed that people diagnosed with a mental illness are more likely to commit suicide, “there are many factors that can lead an individual to believe in suicide as a solution to their problems”.
“People can feel very overwhelmed or believe they don’t have the inner capacity to deal with what’s stressing them out in the moment,” she said.
She noted that Jamaica has a “very strong” mental health and wellness system that is available and accessible across the island, providing counselling support and helping people cope.
Major hospitals and some clinics have active mental health teams and units that include specialists such as psychologists, counsellors, mental health nurse specialists, psychiatric nursing assistants and psychiatrists.
“Each member of our team is trained and knowledgeable in providing psychological and mental health and wellness support,” Dr Rose said.
She noted that the ministry’s efforts extend to schools through a partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth Affairs’ Guidance and Counselling Unit to raise awareness about mental health and preventing suicidal thoughts.
“We use this as an opportunity to go into the schools and speak to the students. We also act as a source of resources for guidance and counseling departments and resource officers that operate within the schools,” Dr. Rose explained.
“This service is taken a step further by going out and speaking at churches, senior citizens’ groups, Rotaract, Kiwanis Clubs, Lions Clubs and any other opportunity,” she added.
— JIS
