Mothers’ Union launches suicide awareness programme

TIMES INT'L
Patricia Adams
Patricia Adams

The Diocese of Guyana Mothers’ Union launched a “Depression and attempted Suicide” awareness programme on Tuesday, at the Regency Suites on Hadfield Street.

Suicide is an epidemic within Guyana.  The Mothers’ Union has now joined hands with other organisations to fight against depression and suicide in the society.

Patricia Adams, the creator of this programme, explained that members should be gatekeepers by being attentive to individuals around them who display tendencies such as a lack of self-esteem, a contributory factor to suicide. Adams noted that persons who suffered from severe depression eventually had suicidal thoughts.

She explained that committed individuals would be trained to work as mentors for persons with suicidal thoughts. These mentors, she said, will be targeting persons within their communities who are substance abusers to assist and counsel them, to prevent depression and suicide.

The programme is geared to enable depressed individuals to express their thoughts and feelings to obtain the help needed. This will be done through the use of various activities planned by the Mothers’ Union.

Suicide is a serious social problem in Guyana: according to statistics, it is among the countries with the highest suicide rates.

Recently, Government and Non-Governmental Organisations have boosted the fight against suicide. The organisations are offering counselling to depressed individuals with suicidal tendencies. Suicide hotlines are also available to render assistance.

For 2016 so far, at least 12 persons have taken their own lives across the country.

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