Relative dismisses suicide claim after St Mary teen found hanging

Jamaica’s first alleged case of suicide for 2024 took place on Tuesday when 19-year-old bartender Tameika “Nicky” Atherton reportedly hanged herself from a tree near her house in Islington, St Mary.

But while media reports say the police have ruled the death as suicide and that the young lady had previously attempted suicide, a relative dismissed that claim, saying he had never heard of that.

“No, mi neva hear dat, yuh nuh. Mi neva hear dat. Mi neva hear dah part deh,” Tameika’s uncle, Leroy Atherton, told The Gleaner.

Atherton described the deceased as a “nice” young woman.

“A one nice girl, man. Mi a tell yuh seh mi nuh see dat (suicide) coming. We nuh see dat,” he added.

According to Atherton, he regularly visits Lebanon, where Tameika lived, and had never heard anything about suicide or attempted suicide.

Police reports claim that Atherton was at home when she told her mother and stepfather that she was going outside to do laundry.

After she failed to return after several hours, a search was launched for her. She was reportedly found hanging from a tree, with a hose around her neck.

The police later removed the body.

Investigations are ongoing.

While the suicide rate for 2023 was not available, 2022 had seen a 25 per cent increase in suicides in Jamaica over the previous year.

In 2022, there were 64 suicide cases, up from 51 in 2021.

These figures mean, however, that Jamaica maintains one of the lowest suicide rates in the world, ranging between 1.8 and 2.7 per 100,000, annually.

Efforts to contact the health ministry’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention helpline were unsuccessful, so, too, U-Matter and SafeSpot, both of which offer psychosocial support.

editorial@gleanerjm.com

According to information on Columbia University’s website, experts recommend these ways to approach and assist someone at risk:

1. Ask them if they are okay or if they are thinking of hurting or killing themself. Don’t be afraid to ask directly: “Are you having thoughts of hurting or killing yourself?” Asking about suicide will not “put the idea in their head.” In fact, a lot of people thinking about suicide feel relieved when they can talk about their feelings.

2. Listen to them like a true friend. Someone thinking about suicide needs your support. So don’t say they’re being silly, dramatic, or overreacting. Don’t interrupt or try to say things are not as bad as they think; just let them talk about their thoughts and feelings, and be a good listener.

3. Tell them you are worried and concerned about them. “It seems like you’re really sad lately and that worries me.” Or, “What you said about wanting to hurt yourself really concerns me.”

4. Let them know they have been heard. Don’t be afraid to repeat back to them what you have heard to make sure you understand. “It sounds like you have been really sad and angry over arguments at home and with your girlfriend.” Don’t judge what they say; just let them know that you have been listening and understand why they are upset.

5. Tell them they are not alone. Having mental health concerns can be very lonely. People may feel like they are different from everyone else or that no one can understand. Let them know that they aren’t the only one. Other people have felt this way before – overwhelmed, depressed, scared, angry. Even more importantly, let them know that you and others care, and you’re there to support them.

6. Talk to an adult you trust about your concerns. Don’t ever keep suicidal thoughts or plans a secret! Don’t worry that talking to an adult will betray their trust or “tattle” on them. Even if they get mad for a little while, at least they will be alive. Most of the time, suicidal adolescents and young adults are relieved when someone finally knows. Remember, being a good friend can save their life. And a trusted adult, like a parent, sibling, teacher, coach, or pastor, will help you know what to do.

Feeling suicidal usually means that someone is hopeless. They may feel like no one can help. They may be out of better options for escaping feelings or situations that are unbearable and painful. But they can feel better again someday, and a trusted adult will get them the help they need.

If you believe someone is going to hurt themself right now or has already hurt themself, call 911 immediately or get an adult to take them straight to the emergency room.