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Georgia

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 116 123 (Psychological Aid Hotline – Georgian Association for Mental Health)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Offers free and confidential mental health support in Georgian, Russian, and English. (gamh.org.ge)
  1. Youth Helpline:
    • Phone Number: 1505 (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: Weekdays (10 AM – 6 PM)
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological support for children and adolescents.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112
    • Notes: National emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance, including mental health crises.
  1. Specialized Crisis Line:
    • LGBTQIA+ Hotline: +995 322 999 988 (Equality Movement)
    • Hours of Operation: 10 AM – 10 PM
Suicide Prevention in Georgia

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 7.7 (2019 data). (org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Georgia have shown slight fluctuations, with concerns about high-risk groups such as youth and rural populations.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Significantly higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but women experience higher rates of suicide attempts.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is a leading cause of death, often linked to academic pressures, unemployment, and family conflict.
    • Elderly (60+): Higher suicide rates are observed in this group, often associated with loneliness, chronic illnesses, and financial instability.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to isolation, limited access to mental health care, and socio-economic challenges.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ individuals and internally displaced persons (IDPs) face elevated risks due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of support systems.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Georgia has included mental health and suicide prevention in its National Mental Health Program, focusing on improving access to care and reducing stigma.
  • Key Elements:
    • Training healthcare providers in suicide prevention.
    • Expanding access to mental health services, especially in rural areas.
    • Promoting public awareness to reduce stigma around mental health.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Your Voice Matters” promotes mental health awareness and encourages individuals to seek help.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Programs: School-based initiatives focus on stress management and resilience building.
    • Rural Outreach: Mobile clinics deliver mental health care to underserved areas.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and local NGOs to enhance mental health services and provide training.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Online platforms and apps provide resources for mental health education and crisis support.
    • Remote telehealth services are expanding to improve access to mental health care.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training for community leaders, educators, and healthcare workers to identify and respond to suicide risks.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mental health stigma is significant in Georgia, particularly in rural areas, where traditional beliefs may discourage help-seeking behavior.
    • Family networks play a critical role in mental health care, making family-inclusive approaches effective.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited data on suicide rates among marginalized groups, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals and IDPs.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increased collaboration with international organizations and the establishment of hotlines reflect progress in suicide prevention.

References

  1. Georgian Association for Mental Health. (n.d.). Psychological Aid and Crisis Services. Retrieved from https://www.gamh.org.ge/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Georgia – 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 Georgia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Equality Movement. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Support and Advocacy. Retrieved from https://equality.ge/
  5. Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Affairs, Georgia. (n.d.). National Mental Health Program Overview. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.ge/