Let’s Talk: Preventing Suicide and Supporting Mental Health in The Bahamas By Kirk Christie, Consultant Psychiatrist

Suicide is a global issue that touches people from all walks of life, and it’s more common than we might think. With over 700,000 lives lost each year worldwide, it’s a problem that can no longer be ignored. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death globally among young people aged 15 to 29 years, but it’s not just a youth issue. Suicide also affects older adults, making it important for everyone, no matter their age, to understand its causes and recognize the signs that someone might need help.

In The Bahamas, we are fortunate that our suicide rates remain relatively lower than the global average, but even one life lost is too many. According to research from the Ministry of Health, suicide rates in the Bahamas stand at approximately 2.8 deaths per 100,000 people (Dr. David Allen et al., 2015. Task Force Report on Suicides: 2008-2013: Ministry of Health), which is below the global average.

However, this statistic does not lessen the emotional toll suicide takes on families, friends, and communities. In fact, Bahamian men are at a significantly higher risk of suicide, with studies showing that men are 5.13 times more likely to die by suicide than women. This finding calls for more targeted interventions, especially for men, and emphasizes the need for mental health conversations to be more inclusive.

Understanding the root causes of suicide is crucial. Suicide is rarely caused by a single factor. It’s often a combination of pressures, including mental health disorders, economic stress, substance abuse, and social challenges. For instance, someone struggling with depression may already feel overwhelmed by the world around them. Add to that personal financial issues, relationship breakdowns, or ongoing stress (that is financial, occupational and family stress) and the weight can become unbearable. Substance misuse (that is, addictions to alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and cocaine) often compounds these problems, clouding the judgment of persons and making it harder for them to see a way out.

However, there’s hope. One of the most important steps in preventing suicide is early intervention. We need to recognize the warning signs and offer support before things escalate. Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are major contributors to suicide. 60-70% of those who die by suicide have been diagnosed with a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Other mental health conditions, like schizophrenia and personality disorders (that is, antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder), also increase the likelihood of suicide, as does substance misuse (addictions to alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and cocaine).

Recognizing the warning signs is vital. Some common signs that someone may be at risk include talking about death or suicide, withdrawing from family and friends, engaging in reckless behavior, or even giving away personal possessions. If someone is acting differently than usual, expressing feelings of hopelessness, or withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed, don’t ignore these signs. It’s crucial to take them seriously and offer support.

While recognizing the signs is a first step, it is equally important to offer emotional support and encourage professional help. It’s essential to create an environment where people feel comfortable talking about their struggles. This includes friends, family, colleagues, and even acquaintances. If you notice someone you know acting differently, offer a listening ear and encourage them to talk to a mental health professional. Opening up about mental health challenges can save lives and it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

In the Bahamas, there are resources available for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. The Community Counselling and Assessment Center (CCAC), located on North Collins Avenue, provides counseling services, crisis intervention, and support. Reaching out for help is a brave first step toward recovery and you are never alone. It’s important to remember that mental health challenges are treatable, and the sooner someone seeks help, the better their chances of recovery.

In addition to seeking professional help, creating a supportive community is critical. Schools, churches, workplaces, and social organizations can all contribute to raising awareness and creating a culture of mental health support. Reducing stigma is a major part of this effort—by normalizing mental health discussions, we help break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking the help they need. We need to ensure that people understand it’s okay to talk about their struggles without fear of judgment.

One of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is by offering early intervention and making sure mental health services are easily accessible. If someone is struggling, whether with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, reaching out to a professional at the first signs of distress can make a huge difference. Early intervention can help people manage their emotions and stress before they reach a crisis point.

For those who are unsure how to help someone struggling, simply being present can make a world of difference. Let the person know they are valued and supported, and encourage them to reach out to a professional for help. If you feel someone is at immediate risk of harm, don’t hesitate to accompany them to the emergency room or contact a professional at the CCAC or the person’s primary care physician or a private psychiatrist, immediately.

The more we talk about mental health and suicide prevention, the easier it becomes for people to reach out for help. We need to shift our mindset and start treating mental health with the same importance as physical health. Everyone can make a difference by being aware of the signs of mental disorders and offering support when needed.

As a community, we can prevent suicide by continuing to educate ourselves and others, supporting those who are struggling, and offering resources to those in need. In the Bahamas, organizations like the Community Counselling and Assessment Center-CCAC are there to help, but the responsibility does not fall on them alone, it falls on all of us. If we continue to foster a culture of empathy, understanding, hope and support, we can save lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, don’t wait. Help is available today. Contact the Community Counselling and Assessment Center at 323-3293/5 or email Dr. Kirk Christie at info@kirkchristie.com, for more information on the subject matter. There’s always hope and seeking help is the first step toward healing.

References:

1. Allen, D. et al. (2015). Task Force Report on Suicides: 2008-2013. Ministry of Health, The Bahamas.

2. World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Suicide Data and Statistics.

3. Bahamas National Suicide Prevention Strategy, The Bahamas Ministry of Health, (2017).