Antigua and Barbuda
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
- Primary Crisis Hotline:
- Phone Number: +1 268 463 5555
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Operated by the Support and Referral Centre (SARC), this hotline provides immediate assistance to individuals experiencing crises, including those related to gender-based and sexual violence.
- Emergency Line:
- Phone Number: 911 or 999
- Notes: National emergency numbers for immediate assistance, accessible via mobile and landline.
Epidemiology of Suicide
Overall Statistics
- Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 0.4 (2019 data).
- Trend Analysis:
- Last 5 Years: The suicide rate has remained low and relatively stable, with minor fluctuations.
- Recent Changes: Data indicates a consistent rate of 0.4 suicides per 100,000 people in recent years.
Suicide Prevention Innovations
National Strategies and Policies
- Support and Referral Centre (SARC): Established in 2017 by the Directorate of Gender Affairs, SARC provides medical intervention, psychosocial support, and legal advice to individuals who have experienced gender-based and sexual violence.
Additional Insights
- Cultural Considerations:
- Mental health issues and suicide may carry stigma in Antiguan and Barbudan society, potentially discouraging individuals from seeking help.
- Research and Data Gaps:
- There is a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date data on suicide rates and mental health in Antigua and Barbuda, making it challenging to develop targeted interventions.
References
- Support and Referral Centre, 2017. Support and Referral Centre – Directorate of Gender Affairs. Available at: https://genderaffairs.gov.ag/support-and-referral-centre/
- Trading Economics, 2019. Antigua And Barbuda – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Available at: https://tradingeconomics.com/antigua-and-barbuda/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html