Jamaica, similar to other countries across the world, continues to see an increase in the number of deaths caused by suicide yearly. World Health Organization (WHO) statistics revealed that 700,000 people die due to suicide every year.

Defined as the act of intentionally causing one’s death, suicides can have lasting impacts on communities, families and other social structures within a country.

In recent months, it has been revealed that more men are committing suicide compared to females. Statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) indicate that 238 persons took their lives between January 2015 and March 3, 2019. Of this number, 212, or approximately 89 per cent, were males.

The JCF’s most recent suicide statistics revealed that there were 27 reported suicides between November 2022 and January 2023, a significant increase compared to previous years. Of these, 23 were men, with the majority being over the age of 40.

La-Toya Cameron-Hill, trauma and life coach at Blooming in Freedom, outlined that there are several social factors which contribute to men taking their lives.

“Men are expected to be the head of the household and the breadwinner of the family, a role some take very seriously, and if he is unable to deliver, or meet their obligations, he feels less of a man. And no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in suicide among men,” she said.

The trauma and life coach noted that these societal expectations force men to hide their emotions and to find different avenues of coping under pressure.

“Because of societal expectations, men bottle up their emotions and suffer in silence. They hurt and internalise things, or in other words ‘suck it up’, because society tells them to. He would then go down to the corner, drink and smoke, spend some time with his friends, and drink [some more], and this numbs the pain for a period, but he wakes up back the next day with the same reality,” she said.

She explained that while recent statistics are revealing that more men are committing suicide, there is not enough data which suggests that this is most common among older men.

Mental health

Cameron-Hill noted that while women do come under financial pressure, they are less likely to commit suicide because of their religious ties.

She said that: “Like women, men are also afflicted with mental illness, or when situational stressors such as relationships overwhelm them, and they reach a breaking point, the risk of hurting others or themselves, becomes a harsh and sometimes tragic reality.”

She also made reference to data from Priory, an independent behavioural care in the United Kingdom, which outlined that women are generally more communicative around mental health and are able to discuss their feelings with others rather than internalizing their emotions.

The study suggested that 40 per cent of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, despite over three-quarters suffering from common symptoms like anxiety, stress, or depression.

When asked why they do not speak up, the biggest reasons cited were:

• I’ve learned to deal with it (40 per cent)
• I don’t wish to be a burden to anyone (36 per cent)
• I’m too embarrassed’ (29 per cent)
• There’s a negative stigma around this type of thing (20 per cent)

While it may be challenging to identify when an individual is having suicidal thoughts, Priory provided a list of some common signs that can be used as indicators:

• A noticeable shift in their mood. Even a calmer mood can be a cause for alarm, perhaps indicating this person has made their decision and is at peace with it
• Extreme levels of despair or hopelessness about life
• Talking about, writing, or researching death or suicide
• Saying goodbye to family and friends
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Purchasing something which could be used for suicide, such as a knife, or saving pills.
• High levels of anxiety or agitation
• Excessive alcohol use or drug abuse

If you notice any of the signals above, either in yourself or someone else, you should take steps to get crisis support straight away through the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline – 888 NEW LIFE (639-5433) or Choose Life International-876-920-7924.