The Tribune

THE Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre will host a workshop today about suicide prevention.

The workshop, which will be hosted at the Grace Communion Church on Lumumba Lane, is being held in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day.

The centre’s psychology department is spearheading the event.

The goals of the workshop are to increase awareness and sensitivity regarding suicide among residential and community based caregivers; to assist caregivers in developing appropriate screening techniques; to equip caregivers to develop an effective institutional action plan and to develop appropriate referrals.

The workshop is geared towards people who work with or provide programmes for children and adolescents.

A statement sent from Sandilands said that the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately one million people worldwide die by suicide each year.

“According to the WHO and the latest Burden of Disease Estimation, suicide is a major public health problem in high-income countries and it is an emerging problem in low and middle-income countries. The International Association for Suicide Prevention states that suicide is among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15-44 years in some countries.

“Suicide is also the second leading cause of death in the 10-24 age group. These figures do not include suicidal attempts or self-harming behaviours,” the statement said.

“Suicide is extremely complex. It involves psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors. The psychological pain experienced by those who commit suicide is unimaginable. People who are socially isolated can be at increased risk for suicide. Therefore, connectedness is crucial to individuals who may be vulnerable to harming themselves. Having strong human bonds can be a protective mechanism. Reaching out to those who have become disconnected from others and offering them support and friendship may be a life-saving act,” the statement said.