(Trinidad Express) On average, there are 1,000 admissions each year related to “self-harm or suicide” at the nation’s hospitals, the Ministry of Health has said.
The Health Ministry made the statement in a release sent in commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day, which was celebrated yesterday.
“In Trinidad and Tobago there has been a significant increase in the number of reported suicides, with an average of 1,000 admissions annually related to self-harm or suicide at each Regional Health Authority,” the release stated.
“Additionally the Global School Health Report for Trinidad and Tobago (2007) indicated approximately 18 per cent of students within the 13-15 year age group, who were interviewed, considered attempting suicide and 20 per cent of the female students were more likely to plan how they would attempt suicide,” the release stated.
The Health Ministry advised that “one of the best ways” of preventing potential suicide is to identify those who are at most risk.
“The strongest predictor is a history of previous suicide attempts or self-harm. There is a 30 to 40 times greater chance of suicide among this group than among members of the general population. About half of those who seriously consider suicide have been diagnosed with some kind of mental disorder during their lives,” the release stated.
The Health Ministry said that “alcohol and drug abuse” are important risk factors for suicidal thoughts.
“Depressive disorders and substance-related disorders, schizophrenia and personality disorders are all major contributors,” the release stated.
“Stress brought about by events in a person’s life such as family conflict and relationship breakdown can diminish a person’s capacity to cope. Economic crisis and unemployment, bereavement and serious illness can all be major contributors,” the release stated.
