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Papua New Guinea

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: +675 7150 8000 (Lifeline Papua New Guinea – National Crisis Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides free and confidential support for individuals in distress. (lifelinepng.org)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +675 326 0245 (St. John Ambulance – Mental Health and Crisis Support)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 8 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Offers emotional and psychological support, including suicide prevention services.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 111 (St. John Ambulance Emergency Services)
    • Notes: National emergency response for medical, police, and fire services.
  1. Women’s Crisis Support and Domestic Violence Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 7150 8000 (Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee – FSVAC Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Saturday
    • Additional Details: Provides counseling and crisis intervention for victims of gender-based violence and trauma. (fsvac.org.pg)
  1. Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +675 326 0466 (Youth With a Mission – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services)
    • Hours of Operation: By appointment
    • Additional Details: Supports young people facing mental health issues and suicide risk. (ywamships.org)
Suicide Prevention in Papua New Guinea

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 Papua New Guinea have been increasing, particularly among young people and rural populations, with significant concerns over substance abuse and violence-related mental health issues.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but many cases of self-harm and suicide attempts are linked to gender-based violence.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Rising concern due to substance abuse, unemployment, and exposure to violence.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but some cases are linked to social isolation and chronic illness.
  1. Urban vs. Rural vs. Indigenous Populations:
    • Suicide rates are higher in rural and remote communities where mental health resources are scarce.
    • Indigenous communities face significant socio-economic challenges that contribute to mental distress.
  1. Special Groups:
    • Victims of Gender-Based Violence: High suicide risk due to domestic abuse and lack of social support.
    • Substance Abusers: Alcohol and drug-related mental health disorders are increasing the risk of suicide, particularly among young men.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Papua New Guinea’s mental health efforts are part of the National Mental Health Policy, but suicide prevention remains underdeveloped.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expanding community-based mental health services.
    • Training healthcare professionals in crisis intervention.
    • Strengthening suicide prevention awareness campaigns.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Talk to Save a Life” – A national campaign encouraging open discussions about suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth and Adolescent Suicide Prevention Programs: School-based initiatives to address bullying, substance abuse, and mental well-being.
    • Women’s Mental Health Support: Crisis intervention programs targeting victims of gender-based violence.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Papua New Guinea partners with WHO, UNICEF, and regional mental health networks to improve suicide prevention efforts.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Telehealth services expanding access to remote counseling.
    • WhatsApp-based crisis support initiatives.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for teachers, law enforcement, and healthcare providers.
    • Peer-support groups for individuals affected by suicide.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a taboo topic in many Indigenous communities, often linked to spiritual beliefs and traditional healing practices.
    • Domestic violence and substance abuse are major risk factors for suicide, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national data on suicide among LGBTQIA+ individuals and Indigenous populations.
    • Suicide attempts are likely underreported due to stigma and lack of mental health awareness.
  • Positive Developments:
    • The government is increasing investment in mental health and crisis support services.
    • Digital mental health initiatives are emerging to provide anonymous and accessible support.

References

  1. Papua New Guinea Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.pg/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Papua New Guinea – 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 Papua New Guinea. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Lifeline Papua New Guinea. (n.d.). Suicide Prevention and Crisis Helpline. Retrieved from https://www.lifelinepng.org/
  5. Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC). (n.d.). Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Support in Papua New Guinea. Retrieved from https://www.fsvac.org.pg/
  6. UNICEF Papua New Guinea. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Papua New Guinea. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/png/