Attempted Suicide Rates in Barbados are higher than expected

Attempted suicide in Barbados is not on the agenda of any of the powers that be that i am aware of, but it is at a point of astounding proportions.

A search of the major search engines on attempted suicide in Barbados found a study done between 1974-1978 by Drs. George Mahy and Ezra E.H. Griffith

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados sees about one case of attempted suicide each week , and this is a very, very modest figure in the absence of actual figures. Most of these figures are mostly due to teen age attempted suicide.

Most are as the result of the ingestion of chemicals chiefly aspirin or related pain killers, paraquat, and alcohol. Others have tried severing the blood vessels at the wrist.

Many teens who attempt suicide (parasuicide) in Barbados are usually attention seekers, and every case is taken very seriously with the person involved undergoing psychological assessment in all cases. It is chiefly found to be due to a lack in a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation. Many choose these measures thinking they would have made their point and still survive not realizing that even if you might not die, large amounts of pain killers can destroy the liver and kidneys.

Suicide among teens in Barbados might also be due to a psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany depression

The World Health Organization noted that over one million people commit suicide every year, and that it is one of the leading causes of death among teenagers and adults under 35. In Barbados as many are only attention seekers the suicide rates are relatively low.

If you are reading this article and you are contemplating suicide, please note the bible says it is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. As man will let you down in most cases. God can bring you through any situation or obstacle once he is allowed to.

Persons who you can turn to if you are having problems may involve a pastor (you might not necessarily have to be attending the church) , and a medical doctor who would be able to offer you advise in this matter, but don't forget most importantly to pray and give God time to work it out, because as you pray he is arranging situations that you may come out victorious in order that you might give him praise.

Update: 06/09/09

According to The World Health Organization website, Thursday the 10th September, 2009 is being set aside to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

The website mentions that on average, almost 3000 people commit suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.