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Seychelles

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: +248 432 3535 (National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline – Seychelles Ministry of Health)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides free and confidential mental health support and suicide prevention services. (health.gov.sc)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +248 438 8000 (Psychiatric Unit – Seychelles Hospital)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides crisis intervention, psychiatric consultations, and counseling services.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 151
    • Notes: National emergency number for medical and psychiatric crises.
  1. Gender-Based Violence and Trauma Support:
    • Phone Number: +248 432 5555 (Gender-Based Violence Support Line – Family Affairs Department)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides support for survivors of domestic violence, legal aid, and counseling services. (family.gov.sc)
  1. Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +248 272 2333 (Youth Health Centre – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Support for Adolescents)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Offers psychological counseling, peer support, and crisis intervention for young people.
Suicide Prevention in Seychelles

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 12.1 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Seychelles have fluctuated but remain among the highest in Africa.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than female suicide rates, often linked to economic stress and substance abuse.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but reported suicide attempts are increasing.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Rising concerns due to academic pressure, social isolation, and substance abuse.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but some cases linked to declining health and loneliness.
  1. Urban vs. Rural:
    • Higher suicide rates in isolated communities due to limited access to mental health care and economic instability.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face discrimination and stigma, increasing suicide risk.
    • Substance Users: Alcohol and drug abuse contribute significantly to mental health challenges and suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Suicide prevention is part of Seychelles’ National Mental Health Strategic Plan (2016–2025), which integrates awareness campaigns and crisis response.
  • Key Elements:
    • Strengthening community-based mental health services.
    • Expanding suicide prevention training for healthcare professionals.
    • Increasing public awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Mental Health for All” – A nationwide initiative promoting awareness and access to mental health services.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Suicide Prevention Programs: School-based interventions and peer support networks.
    • Substance Use and Suicide Prevention Programs: Addressing alcohol and drug-related mental health challenges.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Seychelles collaborates with WHO, PAHO, and regional health organizations to improve suicide prevention strategies.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Development of online mental health resources and helplines.
    • Social media campaigns promoting suicide prevention awareness.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for teachers, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals.
    • Support groups and peer-led initiatives for individuals affected by suicide.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a stigmatized issue, limiting help-seeking behavior.
    • Strong family and religious ties play a significant role in mental health interventions.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national data on suicide among LGBTQIA+ individuals and substance users.
    • Underreporting of suicide attempts due to cultural and religious stigma.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Expansion of mental health services in rural and remote areas.
    • Increasing use of digital platforms to enhance mental health outreach and crisis support.

References

  1. Seychelles Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy (2016–2025). Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.sc/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Seychelles – 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 Seychelles. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Family Affairs Department Seychelles. (n.d.). Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Support in Seychelles. Retrieved from https://www.family.gov.sc/
  5. Youth Health Centre Seychelles. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Seychelles. Retrieved from https://www.youthhealth.sc/
  6. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). (n.d.). Mental Health Policies and Suicide Prevention in the Indian Ocean Region. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/
  7. UNICEF Seychelles. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Support in Seychelles. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/seychelles/