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Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: No dedicated national suicide prevention hotline currently exists in Oman.
    • Alternative Support: Ministry of Health – Mental Health Department
    • Contact: +968 24 603 552 (moh.gov.om)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +968 24 607 555 (Royal Hospital Psychiatry Department – Mental Health Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 8 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides general mental health support, including crisis intervention.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 9999
    • Notes: National emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services. Mental health crisis response is limited.
  1. NGO and Community-Based Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +968 95 233 077 (Whispers of Serenity Clinic – Private Psychological Support Services)
    • Hours of Operation: By appointment
    • Additional Details: Provides counseling and therapy for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. (whispersofserenity.com)
Suicide Prevention in Oman

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 2.4 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Oman remain low compared to global averages, but concerns are rising due to economic stress, migration-related issues, and mental health stigma.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, following global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though cases of self-harm and suicide attempts among women are increasing.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Increasing suicide risk due to academic pressure, cyberbullying, and family expectations.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but suicide risk among older adults is linked to health issues and social isolation.
  1. Migrant Worker Populations:
    • A significant portion of suicide cases in Oman involve expatriate workers, particularly from South Asia.
    • Factors include poor working conditions, social isolation, and lack of mental health access.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: No official data available due to the criminalization of homosexuality, but reports suggest significant mental health challenges.
    • Domestic Workers: Face economic exploitation, abuse, and extreme mental distress, increasing suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Oman does not have a formal suicide prevention policy, but mental health services are part of the National Health Strategy.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expansion of psychiatric units in hospitals.
    • Increased public awareness campaigns on mental health.
    • Mental health training for general practitioners.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Your Mental Health Matters” campaign promotes suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Support for Migrant Workers: Counseling programs by embassies of South Asian countries.
    • Workplace Mental Health Initiatives: Growing focus on employee wellness programs in corporate settings.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Oman partners with WHO and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) health initiatives to improve suicide prevention strategies.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Telehealth mental health services expanding through private clinics.
    • WhatsApp-based mental health consultation services emerging.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training for religious leaders to provide mental health support within communities.
    • Suicide prevention awareness incorporated into medical training programs.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide is highly stigmatized in Omani society, with religious and legal barriers preventing open discussions.
    • Seeking mental health support is often discouraged due to cultural beliefs.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national data on suicide among LGBTQIA+ individuals and migrant workers.
    • Many suicide cases go unreported due to legal and social repercussions.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increasing government investment in mental health awareness and psychiatric care.
    • Gradual rise in digital mental health solutions providing private and anonymous support.

References

  1. Oman Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.om/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Oman – 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 Oman. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Whispers of Serenity Clinic. (n.d.). Psychological Support and Counseling Services in Oman. Retrieved from https://www.whispersofserenity.com/
  5. ILO (International Labour Organization) Oman Report. (n.d.). Migrant Worker Mental Health and Suicide Trends in Oman. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/
  6. UNICEF Oman. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Oman. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/oman/