Letter of the Day | Suicide is preventable, let’s talk about it

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In recent weeks, there have been at least two suspected cases of suicide; first, a young female in the Portmore area, and the second, a young male in the western parish of Trelawny. We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.

As expected, people took to social media with their contrasting emotions, much of which highlighted their lack of knowledge of the situation.

Suicide is a public health crisis and one that needs attention.

According to an article posted by Western Michigan University, 2016 statistics ranked suicide as the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States.

Suicide is considered to be preventable. There is a widely held notion that talking about suicide results in people becoming suicidal; this is far from the truth. The Michigan University study went on to reveal that people with suicide ideations don’t necessarily want to die; what they need is alternatives to their problems. One way to identify problems is by having people talk about their problems.

Here in Jamaica, we see talking about our problems as taboo. Bottling up our emotions only runs the risk of emotional explosion.

As we are coming to the end of 2024, several factors come into play that increase stress levels; these include:

* For some, Christmas has become synonymous with extravagance, marked redecoration of homes, gift buying and the ensuing merriment; the harsh economic realities forbid the same for those less fortunate.

* Over the years, many families have lost loved ones, especially during this period; Christmas then reopens old aching wounds.

* For yet another set of people, Christmas marks the year’s closing; many would have made New Year’s resolutions; unmet goals can bear heavily on their minds to the point they view themselves as failures.

* There is still another set of people who are ailing with debilitating conditions, the Christmas season sometimes serves to compound this feeling of sadness if they are no longer able to participate in activities as they once could.

Whatever the reasons for the increase in the suicide rate, prevention is the best cure — the onus is on us to be attentive to our neighbour’s needs and behaviours and give a helping hand and a listening ear.

Provide referrals to the nearest health department for assistance. Additionally, several anonymous help desks provide crisis intervention.

KOFI TAFARI