Regional, local health officials working to ‘change the narrative’ on suicide

Countries around the world marked World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2024 with efforts to raise awareness and break down barriers surrounding discussions about suicide.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for the years 2024 to 2026 is “Change the Narrative”, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) noted that major barriers to suicide prevention in the Caribbean and Latin American region include weak suicide surveillance systems, a lack of evidence-based national suicide prevention strategies, low mental health service coverage, insufficient multi-sectoral collaboration as well as stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions and suicide.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Environment released a message on their social media page on September 10, encouraging Vincentians to “start the conversation” about mental health and suicide prevention.

Psychologist, Dr Lisa Alvis, described suicide as a “real and serious” issue in SVG which may be “closer than you think”.

“Paying attention to the signs of suicide in relatives, friends and close ones. If you are concerned, ask them how they are really feeling and take any signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviours seriously.”

Dr Alvis made the call to normalize having conversations about mental health struggles.

“You don’t need to have all of the answers but you do need to be present. Let’s make it okay to talk about our struggles because nobody should have to go through this fight alone.”

PAHO data shows that every year nearly 100,000 people die by suicide in the Americas and for every suicide, it is estimated that there are at least 20 suicide attempts.

Between 2000 and 2019, the suicide rate in the Caribbean and the Latin American region increased by 17 percent. This was the only World Health Organization (WHO) region to show an increase during this period.

As part of the regional activities, PAHO hosted a media webinar to discuss the impact media messaging has on suicide prevention and the need to focus on responsible reporting.

Director of the Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Hazel Othello, presented on the intervention made to change the media narrative on suicide reporting in the twin-island republic.

WHO data shows that in 2000, Trinidad and Tobago had the third highest suicide prevalence in Latin America and the Caribbean. The most common method was the ingestion of poisonous substances, particularly gramoxone, however policy changes by the government saw prohibitions put in place for acquiring the pesticide.

Dr Othello presented examples of reporting on suicide in T&T which she described as “less than ideal”. These included sensational headlines, victims being identified by photos, crime scene photos displayed, and methods of suicide detailed.

She said health officials recognized the “big job ahead” to change the narrative on suicide reporting in the media. She explained that they hosted an intervention with the press in 2017 where the Ministry of Health and media professionals collaborated to develop guidelines.

This was followed by the implementation of monitoring tools to gather reports on stories on suicides.

“It’s [guidelines]on the Ministry of Health website so the members of the press in Trinidad and Tobago can refer to it at any time … and instead focuses on messages of hope and directing people to where they can receive care if they are having suicidal thoughts.”

Dr Othello said improvements in the messaging has been noted since the implementation of the guidelines.