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Samoa

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 800 5433 (Samoa Lifeline – Fa’ataua Le Ola (FLO))
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential mental health and suicide prevention support. (flo.org.ws)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +685 21212 (Ministry of Health – National Mental Health Services)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological assistance and crisis intervention for individuals experiencing mental distress. (health.gov.ws)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 911
    • Notes: National emergency number for police, fire, and medical services.
  1. Gender-Based Violence and Trauma Support:
    • Phone Number: +685 800 7874 (Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG))
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides crisis intervention, emergency shelter, and psychological support for victims of gender-based violence. (svsg.org.ws)
  1. Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +685 25000 (Fa’ataua Le Ola – Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Saturday
    • Additional Details: Offers support for young people experiencing emotional distress.
Suicide Prevention in Samoa

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 13.9 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Samoa have remained a public health concern, with high rates among young people and individuals in rural communities.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Significantly higher than female suicide rates, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower overall, but suicide attempts among women are often linked to domestic violence and economic difficulties.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Rising rates due to academic pressure, unemployment, and social expectations.
    • Elderly (60+): Higher suicide risk linked to health concerns, social isolation, and economic struggles.
  1. Urban vs. Rural:
    • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to limited access to mental health services and social stigma surrounding mental illness.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face discrimination, lack of legal protections, and increased mental health challenges.
    • Victims of Gender-Based Violence: Higher suicide risk among survivors of domestic abuse and family violence.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Suicide prevention is part of Samoa’s National Mental Health Policy (2019–2029), focusing on increasing access to services and community awareness.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expansion of mental health services in primary healthcare centers.
    • Suicide prevention education and awareness programs targeting high-risk groups.
    • Strengthening cultural and faith-based interventions for mental health support.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Tautua mo le Ola” (Serve for Life) – A campaign encouraging open discussions about mental health and suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Suicide Prevention Programs: School-based mental health initiatives incorporating Samoan cultural values.
    • Community-Based Suicide Prevention Initiatives: Faith-based and village-led mental health programs.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Samoa collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and Pacific regional health organizations to enhance suicide prevention strategies.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Online counseling and telehealth services are expanding mental health access.
    • Social media campaigns promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Village-based mental health programs integrating traditional healing practices.
    • Training for faith leaders, educators, and community members to recognize and address suicide risks.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mental health remains a stigmatized issue in Samoa, and many people rely on traditional healing and family support instead of professional help.
    • The role of fa’a Samoa (Samoan cultural values) in suicide prevention is crucial, as strong community bonds can help reduce suicide risk.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national data on suicide among LGBTQIA+ individuals and survivors of gender-based violence.
    • Underreporting of suicide attempts due to stigma and lack of awareness.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Expansion of mental health services and crisis intervention programs.
    • Government-led efforts to integrate mental health awareness into schools and workplaces.

References

  1. Samoa Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy (2019–2029). Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.ws/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Samoa – 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 Samoa. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Fa’ataua Le Ola (FLO). (n.d.). Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support in Samoa. Retrieved from https://www.flo.org.ws/
  5. Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG). (n.d.). Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Support in Samoa. Retrieved from https://www.svsg.org.ws/
  6. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). (n.d.). Mental Health Policies and Suicide Prevention in the Pacific Islands. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/
  7. UNICEF Pacific. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Samoa. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/