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Solomon Islands

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: +677 26999 (Family Support Centre – Crisis Helpline and Suicide Prevention Support)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides confidential crisis support, counseling, and referrals for individuals at risk of suicide. (fsc.org.sb)
  2. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +677 23400 (Solomon Islands Ministry of Health – National Mental Health Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Offers psychological support, crisis intervention, and referrals to mental health professionals. (health.gov.sb)
  3. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 911
    • Notes: National emergency number for medical and psychiatric crises.
  4. Gender-Based Violence and Trauma Support:
    • Phone Number: +677 26999 (Seif Ples – GBV and Trauma Support Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Provides crisis intervention, shelter, and psychological support for survivors of gender-based violence. (seifples.org.sb)
  5. Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +677 27666 (Save the Children Solomon Islands – Youth Mental Health Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological counseling and suicide prevention support for young people. (savethechildren.org.sb)
Suicide Prevention in Solomon Islands

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 5.3 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in the Solomon Islands have remained moderate, with concerns growing over mental health challenges among youth.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than female suicide rates, often linked to unemployment, substance abuse, and social pressures.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower but increasing, with suicide attempts commonly linked to gender-based violence and economic struggles.
  2. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Increased risk due to academic pressure, cyberbullying, and family conflicts.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but cases are often related to social isolation and declining health.
  3. Urban vs. Rural:
    • Higher suicide rates in rural communities due to economic instability and limited access to mental health services.
  4. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Experience stigma, discrimination, and a lack of targeted mental health services.
    • Survivors of Domestic Violence: Increased risk of suicide due to trauma and lack of social support.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Suicide prevention is incorporated into the National Mental Health Policy (2020–2030), which aims to improve mental health awareness and crisis intervention.
  • Key Elements:
    • Strengthening community-based mental health services.
    • Suicide prevention training for healthcare workers and community leaders.
    • Public education campaigns to encourage help-seeking behavior.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “You Are Not Alone” – A national initiative focused on reducing mental health stigma and increasing access to support.
  2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Mental Health Programs: School-based interventions aimed at preventing depression and suicide.
    • Community-Based Counseling Programs: Expanding services to rural and remote communities.
  3. Collaborative Efforts:
    • The Solomon Islands partners with WHO, UNICEF, and regional health organizations to improve mental health services and suicide prevention strategies.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Expansion of telehealth services to provide remote mental health support.
    • Social media campaigns promoting suicide prevention awareness.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for educators, faith leaders, and healthcare professionals.
    • Peer-support networks providing crisis support and mental health education.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a sensitive issue, with many individuals relying on religious or community support rather than professional help.
    • Traditional healing practices and family support systems play a crucial role in mental health care.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national statistics on suicide trends among LGBTQIA+ individuals and survivors of domestic violence.
    • Underreporting of suicide attempts due to stigma and lack of mental health literacy.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Growing recognition of mental health as an important public health issue.
    • Increasing collaborations with international health organizations to improve mental health care access.

References

  1. Solomon Islands Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy (2020–2030). Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.sb/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Solomon Islands – 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 Solomon Islands. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Family Support Centre. (n.d.). Crisis Helpline and Mental Health Support in Solomon Islands. Retrieved from https://www.fsc.org.sb/
  5. Seif Ples. (n.d.). Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Support in Solomon Islands. Retrieved from https://www.seifples.org.sb/
  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 Solomon Islands. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Solomon Islands. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/solomonislands/