Suicide In The Context Of Guyana

The problem of suicide in Guyana has been an open secret for many years, and because of the ethnic make-up and politicization of our country, an effective dialogue on the subject by the relevant social, governmental, and other stakeholder bodies has in the past proved challenging. Despite many well-meaning interventions, mainly in the form of public education, raising awareness, hotlines, etc, there seems to have been no major inroads made towards reducing suicide in Guyana.

Suicide in Guyana is a serious social problem as according to a PAHO/WHO report, Guyana has the highest rate of suicide in the world. If you, or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can contact the suicide helpline to receive assistance.

A family in Crabwood Creek has been plunged into mourning at the loss of not one but two family members to suicide last week.
Two Thursdays ago, a 55-year-old woman and her 17-year-old daughter consumed a poisonous substance which landed them as patients in the Skeldon Public Hospital for a short period before they both succumbed.
Dead are Madojri Sawh and Diana Sawh of Grant 1802 Crabwood Creek. While the family refused to speak with Stabroek News, a neighbour related that on the day in question the woman’s son was informed by his now dead sister that their mother had consumed a poisonous substance. The mother was rushed to the hospital and it was while they were there that it was discovered that the teen had also consumed the same substance.