THE UNIT AIMS TO HIGHLIGHT THE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDE AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES.
World Suicide Awareness Prevention Month is observed yearly in September. This year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10th, is “Creating Hope through Action”. National Suicide Prevention month is important as it helps to promote awareness that lead to a dialogue about change. Suicide affects everyone, and whilst the risk factors differ from person to person, people need to know that help and support are available. To address the complex behaviors associated with suicide, the risk and protective factors must first be identified.
Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that a person will consider, attempt or die by suicide. Protective factors are characteristics that make it less likely that individuals will consider, attempt or die by suicide. The Employee Assistance Programme Unit (EAP), within the Department of the Public Service aims to highlight the issues associated with suicide and other mental health challenges.
“We hope to help educate public officers and the wider society on the importance of being vigilant and playing a role in the prevention of suicide. One of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is to recognize the warning signs, the risk factors and how to get help if you or someone you know is experiencing emotional crisis,” said Acting EAP Manager, Mrs. Sacha Jn. Pierre-James.
According to Mrs. Jn Pierre-James, the EAP Unit will be creating awareness throughout the month of September via engagement with public officers, public service announcements and media appearances.
Everyone is encouraged to play a role in preventing suicide by talking to someone, making a referral, showing support or lending a helping hand.
Call the suicide hotline at 203 or contact the EAP Unit at 468 2269 or 468 2260. “Together, we can create hope through action.”