Jamaica Psychiatric Association issues urgent call amidst suicide concerns

In a powerful message, Dr. Brian Kazaara, president of the JPA, affirmed that “every life lost is a tragedy,” acknowledging the “profound grief” that follows. Moving beyond grief, the association has provided a critical roadmap for how individuals, friends, and family members can intervene to support those who may be struggling.

The JPA’s guidance outlines seven key steps to help someone having thoughts of suicide:

• Take all warning signs seriously, including social withdrawal, talking about hopelessness, giving away possessions, or a sudden, unsettling calm after a period of distress.
• Listen without judgment and use supportive language, reinforcing that strength is found in seeking help.
• Encourage professional help and offer to accompany the person to a health facility or assist them in calling a helpline.
• Limit access to harmful means by safely securing medications, chemicals, or weapons.
• Stay connected through regular visits, calls, or messages, as isolation significantly increases risk.
• Help create a safety plan that includes coping strategies and a list of trusted contacts and resources.
• Involve supportive community networks such as churches, community leaders, or peer groups to provide hope and stability.

The Association also highlighted the emotional toll on caregivers, encouraging them to seek support for their own well-being.

• A critical component of the JPA’s release is a comprehensive list of public resources available across the island for those in crisis:
• Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Helpline: The 24/7, confidential hotline at 888-NEW-LIFE (888-639-5433) offers immediate counselling and referrals.
• Emergency Services: For imminent danger, the public is urged to go to the emergency room of any public hospital or call 119.
• Community Mental Health Services: Each parish has mental health clinics and community teams for ongoing counselling and follow-up care.
• Specialised Psychiatric Care: Facilities like Bellevue Hospital and other psychiatric units provide care for severe mental health crises.

Support for Families: The organization Mensena Jamaica offers guidance and support for families affected by mental health challenges and can be contacted at mensanajamaica@gmail.com.

“We urge every Jamaican to keep these resources accessible and to share them widely,” stated Dr. Kazaara. “In a time of crisis, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference.”

The JPA’s statement serves as both a balm for a grieving community and a vital call to action, reminding the nation that prevention is possible through awareness, compassion, and the utilisation of available support systems.

The call by the body led by Dr Kazaara follows that of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Last week Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton call for a collective national effort in response to a spike in calls to the ministry’s suicide prevention helpline. Last month the ministry said it recorded 633 calls to its suicide prevention helpline

Local experts have pointed to Jamaica’s endemic culture of violence, drug abuse and the Covid-19 pandemic as the main factors behind the country’s increase in suicide and suicidal related incidents which hit an all-time high in 2024. 

Last month the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said its records show 44 deaths by suicide between January and September compared to 53 over the same period last year. While this represents a 16.9 percent decline year-on-year, the JCF noted that a deeper examination of the granular details “reveals and troubling pattern”.