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Grenada

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: +1 473 440 6849 (Grenada National Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides free, confidential support for individuals in emotional distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 911
    • Notes: National emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance, including mental health crises.
Suicide Prevention in Grenada

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 1.7 (2019 data). (org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Grenada remain low compared to global averages, though stigma and underreporting are significant challenges.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but women report higher rates of suicide attempts.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is a growing concern among youth, often linked to academic stress, family conflict, and limited access to mental health resources.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but social isolation and health issues are potential contributing factors.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are relatively even across rural and urban areas, though rural regions face limited access to mental health care.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Grenada does not currently have a formalized national suicide prevention strategy. Mental health services are integrated into public health care, with support from regional and international organizations.
  • Key Elements:
    • Training healthcare providers in suicide prevention and mental health care.
    • Public campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: Mental health awareness drives by the Ministry of Health emphasize help-seeking and stigma reduction.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Programs: Initiatives focus on building resilience and coping mechanisms in schools.
    • Community Outreach: Programs provide support in underserved areas.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with international organizations like PAHO and WHO to strengthen mental health systems.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training for community leaders, teachers, and health workers to identify and support individuals at risk of suicide.
  • Digital Tools:
    • Limited availability of mental health apps, but there is growing interest in expanding online support platforms.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mental health stigma is a barrier in Grenada, with traditional beliefs often attributing mental illness to spiritual causes.
    • Family and community networks are critical in providing emotional and psychological support.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited data on suicide rates among marginalized populations, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals and rural residents.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Growing collaboration with regional and international organizations, combined with public health initiatives, is helping to strengthen Grenada’s mental health infrastructure.

References

  1. Grenada Ministry of Health. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services Overview. Retrieved from https://gov.gd/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Grenada – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. Pan American Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health Initiatives in the Caribbean. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/
  4. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Grenada. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  5. UNICEF Eastern Caribbean. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/easterncaribbean/