The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 29-year-old Grand Bahama man is in hospital following an suspected attempted suicide incident at Eight Mile Rock on Thursday.

Superintendent Terecita Pinder reported that shortly after midnight police were called to a residence on Graveyard Corner at Pinedale, where a male had reportedly attempted to take his own life.

When officers arrived, they observed a male victim who was alive, with apparent abrasions to the neck. A rope found hanging from a tree was also retrieved.

Ms Pinder said EMS personnel transported the victim to the Rand Memorial Hospital for medical attention.

Two weeks ago, a 23-year-old male resident of Eight Mile Rock had reportedly committed suicide and was found hanging in a bedroom. The victim had been identified as Malik Higgs, a welder.

In January, Grand Bahama police had reported another suspected suicide after a man was found unresponsive in a vehicle outside his home. He was later identified as Trevor Bethel, the long time personal butler of Sir Jack Hayward. Bethel was pronounced dead at the scene.

Psychologist Dr Gregory Swann said that persons must be alert of the signs and symptoms that would suggest something unusual about someone’s behavior.

“People who have a difficult time coping with anxiety, and people having a greater level of frustration and fear to the point they feel they are overwhelmed and there is no way out,” he explained.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate suicide risk factors, and urge people to speak about the issue openly and responsibly, remain connected even during physical distancing, and learn to identify warning signs to prevent it.

When asked if COVID-19 is affecting the mental health of people, Dr Swann said that he would have to agree.

“I would agree COVID is having an emotional and psychological adverse impact on persons,” he said.

Dr Swann said it is important for people to have a clear understanding of how the pandemic may have an impact on their emotional state.

He noted that the extended condition of the pandemic, the lockdowns, and the decrease in the work situation and the inability to socialize and interact with friends and coworkers, are affecting people.

Dr Swann stated that persons, with pre-existing mental conditions, may find it much more challenging to cope.

Under these stressful situations, he said individuals who are unable to cope may think about injuring themselves or suicide.

“There is an inability to manage from day to day the given life situation and conditions they are currently faced, he said. That would increase the rate of persons who are thinking about suicide, suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, and then persons who would actually commit suicide.”

Dr Swann said that it is important for persons, including family and friends, to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms of persons feeling suicidal.

Some signs are: “People who are talking about death and being more withdrawn from friends and family, having mood swings, and being pre-occupied, aggressive or violent-type behavior. People expressing themselves as feeling trapped, having to be in the house or apartment for extending periods of time, and feel there is no way out. Excessive use of alcohol, drinking, or excessive gambling, and sleeping a lot.”

He stated that individuals can reach out for help through professional treatment, and/or support services.

Dr Swann said that talking about how we feel and expressing ourselves in an environment that is comfortable with family or close friends can also help.

People in dire straits, he said should call 919. The GB Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Services hotline can be reached at 819-7652, 816-3799, 815-5850, 812-0576, and 454-2993.