While noting that every suicide reflects the failure of society to offer support, Junior Public Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings says it is imperative that it be a subject for open discussion.
Speaking on Friday at a rally held on the Corentyne Coast in Region 6 to raise awareness about the problem of suicide in Guyana, Dr. Cummings said “when a person decides to take his or her life, we have failed as a society in every aspect to support that person. The psychological pain that leads each of these individuals to take action that results in him or her dying by suicide is unimaginable.”
As a result, she added, it is imperative to bring up the topic of suicide and talk about it openly so persons can have an outlet for their “acute emotional distress and depression,” and know they are not alone and receive the love and support they need. “So this means we should take the whole issue out of the wraps and go public. A suicidal person may not ask for help, but it doesn’t mean help is not wanted. Suicide prevention starts with recognising the warning signs and taking them seriously,” Dr. Cummings said.
Dr. Cummings also used her address to dispel several myths surrounding suicide, which she described as erroneous ideas that should not be entertained. “A person who casually speaks about suicide will not commit suicide; that is a myth,” she said. She added that it is also a common belief that anyone who tries to kill themselves must be crazy, to which she stressed, “Suicide victims are not insane or psychotic.”
The rally and a walk both were held as part of a ‘Walk and Talk Initiative to Stop Suicide’ coordinated by the New Jersey Arya Samaj Humanitarian Mission in Guyana, which received full support and cooperation from the Region 6 Health and Education departments, the ‘B’ Division Police, the PYARG, Child Care and Protection Agency, Caribbean Voice and several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs). Students of primary and secondary schools in the region, nurses, volunteers and members of the various NGOs and FBOs walked along the Corentyne Highway from Williamsburg to Port Mourant, where they assembled at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground for the rally.
The event, held under the theme “I choose life, I love my life, say yes to life,” was not only used to highlight suicide but to also garner support in the fight against it and emphasise the point that help is there for those who need it.
Globally, an estimated 800,000 people die yearly as a result of suicide and this translates to one death every 40 seconds. In Guyana, some 200 persons successfully commit suicide yearly and for every death there are 20 persons who attempt to commit suicide. Consequently, Guyana has the highest death by suicide per capita rate worldwide and Berbice, in particular, is infamously known as the suicide capital of the country since the majority of cases traditionally originate there.
A multi-stakeholder action committee was recently formed to work towards reducing its prevalence.
The attendees of the rally were informed by government officials, including Dr Cummings and Minister Annette Ferguson, of the role the government is playing and will continue to play in reducing the prevalence of suicide in the country.
Students attending the rally were encouraged to stay strong, to stay focused and to recommit and rededicate themselves to the values of life. They were told that life is precious and to never turn to suicide. Parents were also urged to help their children and strengthen family ties so as to help fight suicide. Several cultural items, including skits, poems, songs and dances, performed by the students indicated that they are very much aware of the damaging effect of suicide.
