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Liberia

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: No dedicated national suicide prevention hotline currently exists in Liberia.
    • Alternative Support: Liberia Ministry of Health – Mental Health Unit provides mental health services.
    • Contact: +231 770 660 741 (moh.gov.lr)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 911
    • Notes: National emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance.
  1. NGO Support Services:
    • Phone Number: +231 886 520 037 (Carter Center Mental Health Program in Liberia)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides mental health services and suicide prevention training. (cartercenter.org)
Suicide Prevention in Liberia

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 6.8 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Liberia have been increasing due to economic instability, mental health stigma, and the effects of past conflicts.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, following global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower overall, though suicide attempts among women are increasing due to domestic violence and economic struggles.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide among youth is rising, linked to unemployment, trauma, and lack of mental health services.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but economic hardship and loneliness contribute to mental health struggles.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Higher suicide rates in rural areas due to poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and community stigma surrounding mental health.
  1. Special Groups:
    • Former Child Soldiers and War Survivors: Many individuals who experienced the civil war struggle with PTSD, depression, and suicide risk.
    • People Living with HIV/AIDS: Face social stigma, increasing suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Liberia does not have a formal national suicide prevention strategy, but mental health services have been integrated into the healthcare system through post-war rebuilding efforts.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expansion of mental health training for healthcare workers.
    • Community-based mental health awareness campaigns.
    • Integration of mental health into HIV/AIDS care programs.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Mind Matters Liberia”, a campaign led by the Carter Center to destigmatize mental health issues.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Trauma Recovery Programs: NGOs provide support for war-affected individuals dealing with PTSD.
    • Youth Mental Health Outreach: School and community-based programs focusing on resilience and coping strategies.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and NGOs to strengthen mental health services.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Limited availability of online mental health services, though mobile health initiatives are being explored.
    • Social media awareness campaigns aim to encourage mental health discussions.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Traditional healers and religious leaders are being trained to support mental health interventions.
    • Peer-support groups are emerging in local communities.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide and mental health conditions remain highly stigmatized in Liberia, often attributed to spiritual causes.
    • Families and religious institutions play a major role in providing support.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Suicide rates among vulnerable populations such as ex-combatants and LGBTQIA+ individuals remain underreported.
    • Limited national studies on mental health and suicide prevention.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increased investment in mental health training programs.
    • Growing collaboration between the government and international organizations to improve mental health services.

References

  1. Liberia Ministry of Health. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Liberia. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.lr/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Liberia – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Liberia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Carter Center Liberia. (n.d.). Mental Health Support Services and Training Programs. Retrieved from https://www.cartercenter.org/
  5. UNICEF Liberia. (n.d.). Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs for Youth in Liberia. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/liberia/