Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
DESPITE THE fall in the number of suicides in Jamaica, doctors remain concerned about the current rate and pharmacists are reporting a significant increase in the demand for anti-depressants.
Sunday Gleaner research shows that more Jamaicans are being overwhelmed by depression and are shelling out thousands of dollars for medication to help cure them of the blues. Some, unable to deal with their illness, end up committing suicide.
According to the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), 41 persons have committed suicide in Jamaica so far this year. Thirty-two of the persons were men.
Ten of the deaths took place in Kingston and St. Andrew, six in St. Ann, five in Manchester and four in St. Catherine. Persons aged between 21-25 accounted for the most deaths (six), followed by the 55-60 and 11-15 groups (five each) and four each in the 26-30 and 36-40 brackets. Twenty-eight of those committing suicide hanged themselves.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
The CCN reports that 398 persons took their lives in this country during 1988 to 2003. Almost 350 of those persons were men which goes against scientific research that says women are two times more likely to commit suicide. The highest number of suicides came in 2000 when there were 80 cases.
Dr. Alverston Bailey, a psychologist and first vice-president of the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ), says the suicide rate in Jamaica is worrying.
"The MAJ is quite concerned about the suicides that are occurring and works closely with the Ministry of Health to address suicide prevention strategies," Dr. Bailey told The Sunday Gleaner. "However, our suicide rate is actually quite low (when compared to other countries) per capita."
A survey done by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2000 said 16 out of 100,000 persons commit suicide globally. Dr. Bailey says in 2003, Jamaica had a suicide rate of 2.2 deaths out of 100,000 persons. According to the WHO chart, that is fewer than smaller Caribbean countries including Barbados, Guyana, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, and well below the 70 out of 100,000 recorded in the tiny European country of Lithuania.
Most suicides, Dr. Bailey pointed out, stem from depression. This condition, scientists believe, is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain which makes it difficult for cells to communicate with each other. Long-term substance (hard drugs, alcohol) abuse can bring on depression, so too personal or work-related problems.
Rosemarie Bailey, president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica, says the demand for anti-depressant medication in Jamaica has grown significantly in recent years.
ON THE INCREASE
"It has been on the increase in the past two years but a proper survey would have to be done to ascertain an exact percentage, the significance and the more common causes," Ms. Bailey said. "Personally, I believe the negative economic factors and social deterioration within our society would be contributing elements."
With more Jamaicans seeking anti-depressants, Dr. Bailey says the MAJ has been working with the Ministry of Health to make these medications affordable. The ministry has also initiated an educational drive in workplaces and schools to make administrators, employees and students aware of mental health.
According to Dr. Bailey, persons experiencing depression for the first time are given milder forms of medication for six months. Second-time patients normally get treatment that lasts up to one year while third or fourth-timers are usually treated for years to prevent a recurrence of their illness.
Dr. Bailey, who has written a paper on depression, says there are several warning signs that lead to suicidal thoughts. These include irritability, fatigue, loss of energy, insomnia and diminished ability to concentrate.
There is a downside to anti-depressants. They can result in weight gain, irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, bladder problems and dizziness.
