WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY IS BEING OBSERVED UNDER THE THEME “CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION.”
On September 10, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, joined with the World Health Organization (WHO) in recognizing and supporting World Suicide Prevention Day under the theme “Creating Hope Through Action”. This theme has been in use from 2021-2023, as a call for action for stronger decision making practices and an understanding that our actions can inspire hope, and increase measures that prevent suicide.
The Ministry of Health believes that education plays a big part in promoting suicide prevention. Having adequate knowledge can assist with debunking the myths of suicide, promoting help seeking behaviours and can increase resilience among our people.
Suicide is preventable and no one should have to go through life’s struggles alone. Throughout the month of September, our programmes and activities will place heavy focus on suicide survivors, prevention and awareness. Suicide continues to be a serious Public Health concern in St. Lucia impacting men in particular. In 2022, 8 men died by suicide and 4 men to date in 2023. That is far too many. Suicide is preventable and the devastating effects involves not only the immediate family but the community and island by extension.
In an attempt to address this Public Health and societal concern, the following strategies are being implemented.
- Creating protective environments
- Improving access to suicide care
- Promoting healthy connections
- Teaching coping and problem-solving skills
- Identifying and supporting people at risk
- Lessening harms and preventing future risk.