MHMC launches suicide awareness month

12th September 2021

By MHMC

PRESS RELEASE : The Department of Psychosocial Services at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex (MHMC), will be collaborating with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the National Youth Council to provide a series of suicide prevention workshops to police officers and suicide awareness support discourses among youth organizations. Over the years, there has been a marked increase in the number of suicides and attempted suicides especially in the youth, and this collaborative effort is aimed at raising awareness, providing counsel, and promoting the FREE services available through the department, one of them being the helpline – 203.

Suicidal thoughts, feelings and attempts are usually an indication that the person is not coping well with a situation. Depending on the severity of the situation or situations, this can be overwhelmingly traumatic to the individual. In many cases, the impact of the events can be mitigated or their overwhelming nature gradually fade if the person is able to make constructive choices.

Through the course of the month, more information will be provided in relation to the awareness programming, to assist the public in understanding the signs of attempted suicide and how to approach potentially suicidal persons. Someone who attempts suicide is often distressed, feel isolated or cannot see any way out of their current situation.

Depending on a person's individual response, risk factors that may contribute to a person feeling suicidal include:

Significant changes in Relationships

Well-being of self or family member
Body image
Job, school, university, house, locality
Financial situation
World environment

Significant losses:

Death of a loved one
Loss of a valued relationship
Loss of self esteem or personal expectations
Loss of employment

Perceived abuse:

Physical
Emotional/Psychological
Sexual
Social
Neglect

Typical warning signs which are often exhibited by people who are feeling suicidal include:

Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings

So, what can I do about it?

Seek out other people who could help
Suicidal people, like all of us, need love, understanding and care. Listen to them. Then listen some more
Ask them to promise you that they won't attempt suicide
Don't try to "rescue" them or to take their responsibilities on board yourself
Get yourself some support too, as you try to get support for them
Take them seriously and refer them to someone equipped to help them most effectively, like the call responders on the 24-hour National Suicide Helpline (dial 203). Alternatively, you can also call the Helpline yourself for advice on the situation.

The management and staff of the MHMC expresses its concern and continued support toward suicide awareness and appeal to the public to use the Suicide Prevention Helpline 203.

For more updates, announcements, and new appointments, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn on @millenniumheightsmedicalcomplex or please email [email protected]

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