Low levels of education, low self-esteem and frustration were identified as some of the major factors contributing to the high incidence of suicide in Region Two, an American university-sponsored study has found.
The university announced its findings of the research last week during a news conference. The research was part of the institution’s initiative to address mental health issues in Guyana. Focusing on the root causes of the issue, 11 psychology diploma students from the university and two professors departed on February 17 to conduct the survey in Region Two.
The programme was initiated by American University of Research President, Dr Eton Simon, along with prominent psychologist and counsellor, Dr Yaswantie Beekhoo.
The initiative was supported by Teaching Service Commission Chairman Leila Ramson, American University of Research Project Officer Jennel Williams and Guyana Professional Counselling Association Coordinator Zairol Neisha.
The survey was done to collect information on some of the contributing factors to suicide, its effects and possible solutions to reduce this phenomenon.
Dr Simon, speaking at the press conference, stated: “We believe that the first step in getting to the root cause of any situation is to first examine the contributing factors before determining a solution.
External circumstances
Based on the survey done, it was found, according to Dr Yaswantie Beekhoo, that the risk for suicide frequently occurs in combination with external circumstances.
These included teens who are unable to cope with the challenges of adolescence, interpersonal losses, family violence, sexual orientation confusion, physical, sexual and emotional abuse and bullying.
It was also found that predisposing vulnerabilities such as mental disorders causes persons to commit and attempt suicide since they are not able to cope well with stress.
She noted too that while there were 113 reported attempted suicides in the region, only 17 deaths were recorded. It was revealed that in 2013, 113 cases of attempted suicide were reported, 97 were treated, six died by hanging and 11 died by consumption of poisonous substances.
Over the period 2009 to 2013, 498 cases of attempted suicides were reported, 406 were treated, 25 died from hanging and 67 died from consumption of poisonous substances.
The researchers added that the main cause of these increases of suicide comes from lack of thinking on a rational level and overreaction to emotionally-tensed situations in the lives of the individuals, which relatives are often not privy to.
In this scenario, there is no one to confide in, to seek advice, and as such, the individuals become overwhelmed and confused and unable to make a rational decision or choice except to follow the now common trend of taking one’s life.
The team stated that based on the research carried out, the major contributing factors of the high suicide rate were found to be the level of education of the individuals, low self-esteem, frustration, poverty and a technological imbalance.
This was seen in the case of a 16-year-old girl, who had attempted suicide after her cellphone was taken away by her mother. The level of education plays and integral role as persons not equipped with knowledge to deal with certain situations, and as such, act in the manner of the norm he or she sees taking place around them, the study found.
The findings indicate that suicidal thoughts and behaviours are commonly found at an increased rate among individuals with major depressive disorders.
Solution initiatives
The university stated that they are one week away from officially launching their solution initiatives to combat the suicide scourge on the Essequibo coast, which would include self-development courses in life skills psychology for parents, students and teachers.
It is expected that these courses will provide basic information regarding self-realisation. In addition, a youth movement will be launched in which survivors of suicide attempts will provide lectures and talk of their experiences in an attempt to highlight the truth of suicide.
A help centre is also in the phase of construction to provide moral support, counselling and guidance, both over the phone, Internet and in person.
