Mental Health Day looks at problem of suicide
Today countries around the world took time out to bring attention to an often neglected health issue: mental illness. In Belize, an official ceremony commemorating World Mental Health Day was held at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall in Belize City. Guest speakers cited some grim global and local statistics relating to this year’s theme: “Mental Illness and Suicide.”
Fred Smith, Manager, Central Health Region
?Let me quote here the World Health Organization, WHO, and the International Association for Suicide Prevention, IASP, which reports that every year there are nearly nine hundred thousand deaths worldwide due to suicide. And these deaths account for more deaths than homicides and wars combine. This number is believed to be largely underestimated as suicide as a cause of death is underreported. Unfortunately for us, Belize makes up a part of this alarming statistic.?
Jenny Lovell, President, Mental Health Association
?Are you aware that there have been two hundred and twenty suicide attempts throughout the country of Belize this past year? And that ninety people actually committed suicide? More girls than boys, more women than men attempt suicide, but more men and boys are successful. … Just based upon the number of people that I see in my practice who are suicide attempts, we know that it is a problem here in Belize.?
Fed Smith
?Our country Belize must therefore make that commitment. Belizeans with mental health illness deserve our understanding and they deserve excellent care. They deserve a healthcare system that treats their illness with the same urgency as physical illness.?
In her keynote address, Ministry of Health C.E.O. Margaret Ventura noted that government has allocated funds for the construction of newer facilities, while technical assistance is being sought from PAHO to reorganize Belize’s mental health services.
As part of activities for World Mental Health Day, this afternoon Belize City high school students battled it out in the first Mental Health Quiz. Taking top prize in the competition was Orchel Usher of St. Catherine’s Academy. Quince Banner from St. John’s College came in second, while rounding out the top three was Reeyan Staine of Wesley College.
