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Bahamas

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: (242) 322-2763
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Operated by the Department of Social Services, this hotline offers crisis intervention and counseling services.

Government of The Bahamas

  1. Bahamas Crisis Centre Hotline:
    • Phone Number: (242) 328-0922
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides support for individuals facing domestic violence, abuse, or any crisis situations.

OIST Groups

  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 911
    • Notes: National emergency number in the Bahamas, accessible via mobile and landline for immediate assistance.

OIST Groups

Suicide Prevention in Bahamas

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 3.5 (2019 data).

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  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: The suicide rate has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations.
    • Recent Changes: The rate was 3.5 in 2018 and remained the same in 2019.

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Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Notable Trends: Historical data indicates higher suicide rates among males compared to females in the Bahamas.

SAGE Journals

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: The Bahamas has established crisis intervention services through the Department of Social Services and the Bahamas Crisis Centre to address mental health and suicide prevention.
  • Key Elements:
    • Community-Based Programs: Emphasis on providing support for individuals facing domestic violence, abuse, or crisis situations.
    • Government Policies: Implementation of 24/7 crisis hotlines to offer immediate assistance to those in need.

Government of The Bahamas

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: Observance of World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.

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  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Description: The Bahamas Crisis Centre provides specialized support for victims of domestic violence, a group identified as being at higher risk for suicide.

OIST Groups

  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Example: Partnerships between government agencies and non-governmental organizations to enhance mental health support services.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Stigma surrounding mental health issues may hinder individuals from seeking help, highlighting the need for continued public education and destigmatization efforts.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited recent data on suicide rates and demographic-specific information suggests a need for comprehensive research to inform targeted interventions.
  • Positive Developments:
    • The establishment of 24/7 crisis hotlines and the active participation in global awareness events like World Suicide Prevention Day indicate a growing commitment to addressing mental health challenges in the Bahamas.

References

  • Department of Social Services, 2025. National Hotline for Crisis Intervention. Available at: https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/portal/public/children/families/national%20hotline%20for%20crisis%20intervention/national%20hotline%20for%20crisis%20intervention/
  • The Bahamas Crisis Centre, 2025. Facebook Page. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/tbcc242/
  • Trading Economics, 2019. Bahamas – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Available at: https://tradingeconomics.com/bahamas/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
  • Healthy Bahamas Coalition, 2025. World Suicide Prevention Day Awareness. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php/?id=100088159092132&story_fbid=497610456520920
  • Find A Helpline, 2025. Bahamas Helplines and Hotlines. Available at: https://findahelpline.com/countries/bs