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Maldives

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 1425 (Maldives Mental Health Hotline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential support in Dhivehi and English, provided by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA). (nspa.gov.mv)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 722 1212 (Thibaa Helpline – Maldives Institute for Psychological Services)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 10 PM, daily
    • Additional Details: Offers counseling services for mental health issues, including depression and suicide prevention.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 119
    • Notes: National emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: No official LGBTQIA+ support line due to legal restrictions on LGBTQ+ identities.
    • Alternative Support: Online-based peer support groups provide emotional assistance.
Suicide Prevention in Maldives

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 5.2 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Maldives have been rising, particularly among youth, due to socio-economic challenges and mental health stigma.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but self-harm and non-fatal suicide attempts are more common among women.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Increasing concern due to academic stress, family pressure, and social isolation.
    • Elderly (60+): Suicide risk linked to loneliness and chronic illness.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are higher in remote islands due to lack of access to mental health care.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face significant mental health risks due to legal and social discrimination.
    • Migrant Workers: Often experience stress and exploitation, contributing to suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: The Maldives has integrated suicide prevention into its National Mental Health Policy, aiming to improve access to mental health care.
  • Key Elements:
    • Strengthening community-based mental health care.
    • Expanding psychological support in schools.
    • Encouraging open discussions about mental health.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Mental Health Matters” campaign promotes open dialogue and access to support services.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • School-Based Mental Health Programs: Focus on emotional resilience and suicide prevention.
    • Migrant Worker Support Initiatives: Organizations providing psychological assistance.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with WHO, UNDP, and regional health organizations to strengthen suicide prevention efforts.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Online therapy and mental health apps provide anonymous support.
    • Social media campaigns help reduce stigma around mental health discussions.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training for teachers and healthcare workers to identify suicide risks.
    • Peer-support networks are expanding in local communities.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a taboo subject, often seen as a private or religious matter.
    • Increased public discussions are slowly reducing stigma.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • More data is needed on suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals and migrant workers.
    • Underreporting remains a challenge due to stigma and religious factors.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Recent expansion of mental health services has improved accessibility.
    • Youth-focused mental health programs are becoming more common.

References

  1. Maldives Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health Policy and Suicide Prevention Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.mv/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Maldives – 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 the Maldives. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Befrienders Maldives. (n.d.). Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Support Services. Retrieved from https://www.befrienders.org.my/
  5. UNICEF Maldives. (n.d.). Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs for Adolescents in the Maldives. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/maldives/