The launching of a Mental Health Council, made up of members from recognised religious communities, and other stakeholders, will soon up the fight against suicide, according to GINA.
This was disclosed by Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran at a walk organised by the Ministry of Health with the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) yesterday.
The walk started at Lamaha and Light Streets and ended at the Square of the Revolution.
Ramsaran also disclosed, according to GINA, that earlier this year, over 200 nurses received specialist training via a UK trained specialist mental health nurse. One hundred and fifty persons from the Health Ministry, Guyana Police Force, Prison Service and the Social Services Ministry, have also been trained to address those who need help to cope with issues that may lead to suicide, GINA said.
Ramsaran said that the campaign will “stretch across several ministries” to ensure more participation. He stated, according to GINA, that whilst all Guyanese are potential victims of suicide and suicidal behaviour, studies have shown that certain groups are more likely to commit the act. “For example, a recent study showed that Hindus tend to be, and especially male Hindus, more susceptible”.
GINA said that a call was made by the Pan American Health Organisation Resident Representative Dr William Adu-Krow, to reduce access to the commonly used pesticides, utilised by many to commit suicide.
He said this can be done in partnership with the Agriculture Ministry, along with the Education Ministry to educate the high risk groups such as those between ages 20 to 45years. Those above 60 years old are also at risk.
National Psychiatrist Dr. Bhiro Harry, appealed to the youths, in particular, calling on them to help and inform older persons if their friends seem troubled in any way, “Go to your relatives, go to any adult, whoever you have, talk to that person. Let that person know what you have seen, what you have heard, what you think, it. Is very, very important.”. He emphasised that there is effective treatment for depression and persons should seek to talk with those who seem “down” and get them the help they may need, GINA reported.
