Raising awareness to help suicide prevention is so important, especially right now. The uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 has caused an increase in depression, anxiety and hopelessness about the future.
Three of the leading factors that contribute to suicide are:
- Isolation
- Feeling like a burden
- A sense of hopelessness.
Facts About Suicide
Suicide is the 10th biggest cause of death worldwide.
The World Health Organization estimates that one person dies of suicide every 40 seconds.
Trinidad and Tobago has the 3rd highest suicide rate in the Caribbean.
79% of suicides in Trinidad and Tobago are a result of domestic issues.
(Source Dr. Katija Khan, former president of Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists)
16 Warning Signs that Someone May Be Suicidal
- Talking about wanting to die
- Questioning the point of life
- Talking about being a burden to others
- They have experienced distress, trauma or other major life change
- Talking about ways to kill themselves
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Socially withdrawn from their life
- They don’t see a way out of a difficult situation
- Struggling to find meaning in the things they used to
- Talking hopelessly about the future
- They display signs of self-harm
- Talking about feeling trapped or suffocated
- Express extreme self-hatred
- Sudden increase in reckless behavior
- They feel as if no one cares about them
- Expressing extreme loneliness
10 Ways to Support Someone Who May Be Suicidal
- Get help from a trained professional
- Remind them they are not alone.
- Use open-ended questions when talking to them
- Actively listen and repeat what they said to show you have understood.
- Help them with a daily task so that they feel supported.
- Give them a hug (if possible)
- Spend quality time with them
- Let them know that you’re not judging them, that we all struggle with life.
- Be respectful. Acknowledge and hold space for the person’s feelings.
- Offer to make the appointment / go with them to get the help they need.
If you think someone in your life is suicidal, please take them seriously.
Trinidad and Tobago Contact Numbers & Resources
Lifeline: 645-2800
Ambulance: 811 or 990
Emergency Centers
Eric Williams Medical Complex: 663-9470
Arima Health Facility: 667-1766
Chaguanas Health Facility: 671-0041
San Fernando Gen. Hospital: 653-4343
Sangre Grande Hospital: 668-2468
Find a qualified psychologist
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