On Tuesday, 10 September 2013, the Cayman Islands joins other countries in supporting World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).

The Public Health Department is organising activities that build on the international theme: Stigma: A Major Barrier to Suicide Prevention.

Events will focus on strengthening persons’ mental, physical and spiritual wellness, while at the same time reducing the stigma associated with this e mental condition.

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, especially among young people. Nearly one million people worldwide die by suicide each year. This corresponds to one death by suicide every 40 seconds.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a large proportion of people who die by suicide suffer from mental illness. Recent estimates suggest that the disease burden caused by mental illnesses will account for 25% of the total disease burden in the world in the next two decades, making it the most important category of ill-health.

Here in the Cayman Islands, The Health Services Authority’s (HSA’s) Psychiatrist, Dr Arline McGill, notes that while suicidal behaviours are often looked down upon,  the successful reduction of this stigma begins with the support of families, healthcare providers, employers, and, by-and-large, the community.

Held at St Matthew University, celebrations will kick off on Wednesday, 11 September at 6:30 p.m. with The Challenge of Being Happy – academic discussions in surviving suicide and overcoming chronic sadness. Refreshments will also be available.

On the following day, Thursday 12 September at 5:30 p.m. at Mary Miller Hall, a community empowerment public forum: Moving On will explore life after attempted-suicide, including those it affects (self and families) and how they survive. Related discussions will also target the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage these persons to reach forward to happiness.

Later, on Friday, 13 September at 6:30 p.m. at the Family Worship Centre, the Art & Science of Happiness event will help tertiary level students, as well as teens leaving high school, to better appreciate themselves and the experiences that help to make them unique; to accept and work through unresolved issues which may make them unhappy; and to enable them to make physical, emotional and spiritual choices that will increase their happiness.

Such activities are intended to give families – and the general public – the tools they need to thrive and be safer. The intention is to help people strengthen their community connections, promoting conversations about mental wellness, and to know how community members can help, protect and care for each other during times of crisis.

Encouraging public participation, Minister responsible for health, Hon Osbourne Bodden said: “On World Suicide Prevention Day I hope that communities across the Cayman Islands will encourage coworkers, family and friends to help promote hope and resiliency and reduce the number of persons suffering from suicidal behaviour.”