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Mauritius

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 800 93 93 (Befrienders Mauritius)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential emotional support for individuals experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts. (befrienders.org)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +230 208 1818 (Brown Sequard Mental Health Care Centre)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 4 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological support and mental health services.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 999 (Police), 114 (Ambulance and Medical Emergencies)
    • Notes: National emergency services, though not specific to mental health crises.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +230 5252 5252 (Collectif Arc-en-Ciel – LGBTQ+ Support)
    • Hours of Operation: By appointment
    • Additional Details: Provides counseling and emotional support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. (collectifarcenciel.org)
Suicide Prevention in Mauritius

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 7.1 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Mauritius have remained stable, with government-led initiatives focusing on mental health awareness and crisis support.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, with men accounting for the majority of suicides.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but self-harm and suicide attempts are more frequent among women.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide rates among youth are increasing due to academic stress, family pressure, and unemployment.
    • Elderly (60+): Higher risk of suicide due to loneliness, financial insecurity, and chronic illnesses.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to social isolation and limited mental health resources.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face mental health challenges due to social stigma and discrimination.
    • Expatriates and Migrant Workers: Experience challenges related to adaptation stress and isolation.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Mauritius has developed a National Suicide Prevention Strategy to reduce suicide rates through early intervention and awareness campaigns.
  • Key Elements:
    • Strengthening mental health services and crisis helplines.
    • Suicide prevention education in schools.
    • Encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Break the Silence” campaign aims to reduce stigma around mental health and suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Mental Health Programs: School-based initiatives focused on emotional resilience.
    • Suicide Prevention Among Elderly: Community-based programs to reduce social isolation.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Mauritius collaborates with WHO and regional health organizations to improve suicide prevention efforts.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Online mental health platforms and chat-based counseling services.
    • AI-powered suicide risk detection tools in hospitals.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders.
    • Peer-support networks providing emotional and psychological assistance.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a sensitive topic in Mauritius, though stigma is decreasing due to awareness campaigns.
    • Family and religious networks play a major role in mental health support.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • More studies are needed on suicide risks among LGBTQIA+ individuals and migrant workers.
    • Underreporting of suicide attempts continues to be a challenge.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Recent investment in mental health awareness campaigns and suicide prevention programs.
    • Growing public engagement in mental health discussions.

References

  1. Mauritius Ministry of Health and Wellness. (n.d.). National Suicide Prevention Strategy and Mental Health Initiatives. Retrieved from https://health.govmu.org/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Mauritius – 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 Mauritius. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Befrienders Mauritius. (n.d.). Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention Helpline. Retrieved from https://www.befrienders.org/centre/Mauritius
  5. Collectif Arc-en-Ciel. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services. Retrieved from https://www.collectifarcenciel.org/