RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Social Development Minister Donna Cox said a 24-hour helpline will be established soon to deal with the increase in suicide and gender-based violence.
In an interview with Guardian Media, Minister Cox agreed that suicide increases in T&T have been troubling.
Saying suicide is a global public health concern, Cox said currently in T&T, several organisations have been working independently to manage mental health issues, that may lead to suicide.
"These seem to work in silos and are mainly operated by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). One such service is Lifeline, a longstanding service provider, previously a recipient of a subvention from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services," she explained.
However, due to several challenges experienced by Lifeline, "inclusive of the provision of data and limited human resources, this has all impacted the quality and reliability of services offered," she explained.
Cox said recenty the Ministry decided to expand the services provided by the National Family Services Division.
"It is proposed, that a Government managed 24-hour crisis helpline be established and operated by specially trained personnel within the National Family Services Division, to efficiently address crisis issues related to suicidal ideations, as well as other critical issues including abuse, gender-based violence and matters concerning children and youth) in coordination with other State and Non-State agencies," she added.
Saying the new unit "will be characterized by international standards and best practices," Cox said the new hotline will address suicidal ideations, as well as the typical crisis calls received by the NFSD.
"It will also include a Live Web Chat facility which is real-time web-based communication, online messaging support as well as listening, chatting, referral to counselling and intervention facility," she added.
The Minister said a response system will be set up in collaboration with other key agencies such as TTPS, Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health, T&T Fire Services, Family Court, The Children’s Authority, Childline, Gender Affairs Division, Office of the Prime Minister, Family Planning Association, Rape Crisis Society, Coalition Against Domestic Violence and T&T Red Cross Society.
Once approved by Cabinet, Cox said the new hotline will assist families as they struggle to survive during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, with suicides increasing due to pandemic frustration, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of the West Indies Dr Gerard Hutchinson also called for an expansion of mental health clinics in communities to combat widespread despair.
He said the potential impact of increased suicide ideation (thinking about suicide or wanting to take your own life) has not yet been assessed.
Agreeing that this increase could negatively impact productivity.
Professor Hutchinson said if something is not done, there will continue to be "behavioural excesses of violence and angry outbursts that would reflect mental distress."
"We have to expand mental health services particularly at the community level, but we can't wait for people to seek out the services," Professor Hutchinson said.
He added, "We have to invest in preventative community action to mitigate against all the despair that people are feeling."
Professor Hutchinson, who is well respected internationally for his work in the field of psychiatry for over 20 years said it was important to address the burgeoning issue of mental wellbeing now.
"Suicidal thoughts and actions are common in times of psychosocial distress. We will have to wait to see the long term impact but already the demand for mental health services have increased and are increasing especially among young people," he added.
Last week the chair of Lifeline Lucy Gabriel revealed nine out of ten suicide calls were high risk. She also said Lifeline has been receiving more suicidal calls since the pandemic.
