By Dr. Karen Cummings
(Minister within the Ministry of Public Health)
THERE is nothing more rewarding and honourable than that of being able to save the life of another human being! Being able to ensure that a person is afforded the opportunity to live and be a part of whatever community he or she shares is one of the most meaningful things a person can do for someone else.

Therefore, it is imperative that we be each other’s keeper and look out for each other every day. We must collectively develop a consciousness that allows us to be aware of the pain and suffering of those around us, and to ensure that we provide the necessary support when and where needed, so as to prevent the loss of life or the onset of serious injuries.

Suicide remains a major public health concern in Guyana. Though suicide is complicated and tragic, it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help for at-risk individuals can help save lives. It is very important to note that suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention. These signs should not be ignored.

Often, family and friends are the first to recognise the warning signs of suicide and can be the first step towards helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specialises in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that does not mean that help is not desperately needed. Most people who commit suicide do not want to die — they just want to stop hurting. They want the pain to go away.

Thus, suicide prevention starts with recognising the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. If you know something, say something. Fortunately, in Guyana we now have a Mental Health Unit within the Ministry of Public Health where persons with mental illness can seek help.

While today we focus on suicide prevention, it is important to also focus on the prevalence of attempted suicide. Substantially more people are hospitalised for non-fatal suicide behaviour (suicide attempts). Such persons are often treated in an ambulatory setting utilising precious emergency services as medical personnel work to save their lives. We must recognise that the trauma of suicide attempts leaves the victims permanently scarred — physically, psychologically, and emotionally

At the Ministry of Public Health, we believe that suicide is preventable and that suicide prevention works. In order to accomplish our mission and goals, we will continue to utilise media campaigns and educational activities to raise awareness of suicide. We will be utilising a strong educational approach to dispel the myths about suicide, and to let others know about the realities surrounding this national public health crisis.

The Ministry of Public Health continues to forge ahead with implementation of the Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020, which plays an integral part in our National Health Strategy — Health Vision 2020. We are striving to reduce and eventually eliminate as far as we possibly can, the whole epidemic of suicide in Guyana. Therefore, this strategy relies on the cross-cutting values and principles of universal coverage, human rights, evidence-based practice, life-course approach, and the multi-sectoral approach.

The importance of working collaboratively to bring about an end to suicide cannot be overemphasised. In fact, this collaborative effort is absolutely necessary. We will strive resolutely to achieve positive outcomes, including the Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 of Good Health and Well-Being, for all Guyanese. Let us work together to take Guyana further down the list of most suicides committed globally.

There is the political will, support, and the passion to enforce and implement all aspects of the Action Plan to achieve the proposed goal of 50 percent reduction in the number of suicide cases annually. A better goal will be to take Guyana off the list altogether, however humanly possible that is.

The Ministry of Public Health through its Mental Health Unit has commenced mhGAP training of non-specialist doctors across the 10 regions of Guyana. This training component intends to provide non-specialised doctors with the requisite skills and knowledge to better screen patients and provide diagnostic assessments that include treatment and long-term care options for persons living with mental health illnesses.

The strategic aims of the mental health learning module in the mhGAP programme are to increase General Practitioners’ skills and confidence in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions using evidence-based strategies and tools; increase physicians’ awareness of community mental health resources; increase physicians’ ability to develop care plans; improve family physician collaboration with psychiatrists and mental health clinicians in the community; improve the patient experience; and promote the engagement of patients in the management of their mental health conditions, within the constraints of a primary care practice.

As we continue to raise awareness that suicide is preventable, so must we significantly increase and improve education about suicide. Each person must be a messenger and a teacher. Spread information about suicide awareness and do your part to help decrease stigmatisation regarding suicide. Every life matters. Let us all say yes to life and NO TO SUICIDE!

Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings Minister within the Ministry of Public Health
Dr. Cummings has 20 years of experience in the public health field, having worked as a government medical officer and a primary care physician, a regional health officer, medical superintendent of Region Four and as medical registrar of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Dr. Cummings holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc.), a Medical Degree (MBBS), a Master’s of Public Health (MPH), a Post-Graduate Certificate on Leading and Scaling Early Childhood Initiatives from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Programme, a Honorary Doctorate in Public Health D.PH (h. c) and is completing doctoral studies in public health.