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:

1. • 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.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • 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.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to social isolation and limited mental health resources.

4. Special Groups:

1. • 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:

1. • Example: “Break the Silence” campaign aims to reduce stigma around mental health and suicide prevention.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Youth Mental Health Programs: School-based initiatives focused on emotional resilience.
   • Suicide Prevention Among Elderly: Community-based programs to reduce social isolation.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • 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/