Barbados
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
- Lifeline Barbados:
- Phone Number: +1 246-536-4500
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Established by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Lifeline Barbados offers support for mental health issues. Since its inception in February 2024, the helpline has received over 300 calls, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, social issues, financial challenges, and suicidal thoughts.
- CASA Mental Health Support Hotline:
- Phone Number: +1 246-264-7151
- Hours of Operation: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Additional Details: Provides mental health support during evening hours.
- Samaritans of Barbados:
- Phone Number: +1 246-429-9999
- Hours of Operation: [Hours not specified]
- Additional Details: Offers support for individuals in distress.
- Advocates Against Domestic Abuse Helpline:
- Phone Number: +1 246-432-2873
- Hours of Operation: [Hours not specified]
- Additional Details: Provides counseling and connects individuals with professionals for support against domestic abuse.
- Barbados Professional Women Crisis Centre and Shelter:
- Phone Number: +1 246-435-8222
- Hours of Operation: 24/7
- Additional Details: Operates a 24-hour crisis hotline offering confidential counseling and referrals for victims of violence and general counseling issues.
Epidemiology of Suicide
Overall Statistics
- Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): As of 2019, the suicide mortality rate in Barbados was reported at 0.6 per 100,000 population.
- Trend Analysis:
- Last 5 Years: The suicide rate in Barbados has remained relatively low and stable over the past five years.
Suicide Prevention Innovations
National Strategies and Policies
- Overview: The Government of Barbados, in collaboration with international partners, has implemented initiatives to address mental health and suicide prevention.
- Key Elements:
- Establishment of Lifeline Barbados: A 24-hour mental health helpline launched in April 2024 to provide immediate support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
- Training for Hotline Operators: In October 2023, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in association with PAHO, hosted training sessions for hotline operators to equip them with skills required to provide mental health support via telephone or text messaging.
Specific Initiatives and Campaigns
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Responsible Reporting on Suicide: PAHO facilitated training for Barbados media in September 2023 to promote responsible reporting on suicide, aiming to prevent suicide contagion and reduce stigma.
- Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
- Advocates Against Domestic Abuse: Provides counseling and support services for individuals affected by domestic abuse, a group identified as being at higher risk for suicide.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Government and International Partnerships: The Ministry of Health and Wellness collaborates with organizations like PAHO to enhance mental health support services and implement best practices in suicide prevention.
Additional Insights
- Cultural Considerations:
- Despite the low suicide rates, there is ongoing attention to examining potential causes of any increases in presumed suicides, including factors such as societal and clinical concerns, increases in countrywide anxiety and depression, and socioeconomic challenges.
- 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 Lifeline Barbados and the training of hotline operators indicate a growing commitment to addressing mental health challenges in Barbados.
References
- Barbados Today. (2024). 24-hour mental health helpline with trained operators launches. Retrieved from
- Pan American Health Organization. (2023). Mental Health hotline operators in Barbados receive training. Retrieved from
- Pan American Health Organization. (2023). PAHO facilitates training in Responsible Reporting on Suicide for Barbados media. Retrieved from
- Trading Economics. (2019). Barbados – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from
- Barbados Association of Psychiatrists. (2023). Instagram Post. Retrieved from
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. (n.d.). Barbados. Retrieved from