Latest update February 14th, 2025 8:22 AM
World Suicide Day observance… Suicide can be prevented once signs are not ignored — Health Minister
Suicide is preventable, once the signs and actions of those prone to the psychological endemic
Minister of Health,
Dr. Karen Cummings
are not ignored. This was the perspective of Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, (MoPH) Dr. Karen Cummings, on Sunday, during the observance of World Suicide Day.
World Suicide Day was observed under the theme “Take a minute, change a life.”
Minister Cummings told an audience that early signs of a person prone to suicide are detectable, if we take the time to pay attention to those around us.
“If we take the time we can change that person’s life,” the Health Minister stated during a local concert hosted at the Seawall Bandstand, Kingston. The concert was facilitated by Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health.
Under a local theme “Mental Health is we Business: Take a Minute and Let’s Talk,” Dr. Cummings noted that while “a suicidal person may not ask for help, that does not mean that help is not desperately needed… If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid of bringing up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.”
The Minister also reiterated Government’s commitment to continue with the implementation of the 2015 to 2020 Mental Health Action Plan.
Dr. Cummings said the Ministry will strive resolutely to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Well-Being for all Guyanese.
“It is important to recognise that the trauma of suicide attempts leaves the victims permanently, physically, psychologically and emotionally scarred. We will continue to utilise media campaigns and education to raise awareness of suicide. We will be utilising a strong educational approach to dispel the myths about suicide and let others know about the realities surrounding national health crisis,” the Minister added.
Director of Mental Health, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, said that it is important to discuss the issues of suicide. She said that of the 800,000 persons who die of suicide each year worldwide, Guyana has had its fair share.
“It is our business to conquer the preventable death by suicide. Every person who died of suicide lived in a community, most have relatives, friends, co-workers or classmates, yet they feel isolated and unable to cope with life stresses and make a decision that it is better to check out of life” the Director explained.
Dr. Richmond -Thomas therefore encouraged those present to take a minute and let those persons know that people care.
“These troubled persons need to know they can trust relatives and friends and not be ashamed to discuss their issues,” she emphasized.
Those who may need help were also encouraged to contact the Ministry of Public Health Mental Health Unit or to seek counseling via the suicide hotline numbers on: (+592) 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896, 623-4444, 592-223-0818 or on Facebook- at Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line.
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