Grenada Govt urges islanders to seek help for mental health issues
Grenada’s Ministry of Social, Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs is urging islanders, who may be suffering from depression and other forms of mental illness, to utilise the services of its Psycho-Social Support Unit.
This appeal comes as the country recorded two suicides in less than a week.
One of the deceased was young attorney Celene Edwards.
The ministry said Grenada had recorded five suicides for the year.
It noted that suicide rates globally have been increasing.
“Mental illness is real and can happen regardless of age, class, socio-economic background, race, or ethnicity. Depression and anxiety are the most common forms of mental health, which can lead to suicide. Despite this, suicide is preventable. There is hope. You can receive help to feel better, irrespective of what your present situation tells you,” the ministry said.
“Suicide prevention requires strategies at all levels of society. It includes everyone; we need you to support, listen, care, and seek professional help. It also requires every individual to learn the suicide warning signs”.
The ministry said some of the warning signs of suicide include the depressed person feeling like they want to die or “disappear” or feeling like they are a burden to others. The person may also start displaying changed behaviour, such as mood swings and saying goodbye to loved ones.
The ministry urged persons feeling alone and having thoughts of suicide or, if they know someone that may need assistance with their mental health, to seek help from a trusted friend or counsellor.
If that is not available, the ministry said persons can feel free to reach out for assistance at these numbers:
- Ministry of Social & Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs: 440-2269
- Sweet Water Foundation: 407-4445
- Legal Aid Counselling Clinic: 440-3785
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