Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 21:51 by Writer
The Ministry of Health on Wednesday launched its toll-free 915 suicide prevention hotline, saying the “crucial lifeline” was being supported by emergency responders.
“If you call the hotline and they recognise that somebody is in crisis, then they have a rapid response team that would actually go out and get to that person and work with them,” Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said.
He appealed for feedback and national partnership to prevent suicide.
Director of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit, Dr Timothy Morgan said the hotline is in keeping with the Suicide Prevention Act and the National Mental Health Action Plan and Suicide Prevention Plan.
The Health Minister said 81 telemedicine sites were also being used to provide psychiatric services, in addition to the countrywide deployment of psychiatrists on the ground in communities.
Dr Anthony said Guyana’s efforts in tackling anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, societal stigma, hopelessness and loneliness as well as suicides have been successful in recent years.
“These are things that, as a caring society, we have to be a little bit more mindful,” he said.
He said mental health is not a Health Ministry problem but a societal one.
As part of Wednesday’s event, a video series and a website, www.mentalhealth.gov.gy, with 24/7 human chat support, were also launched.
“Some people prefer to talk about their problems while some people, for whatever reason, may feel more comfortable typing. The chat platform is equipped with trained mental health support agents. Yes! They are real people, not chatbots or AI, who are there to listen or support,” said Public Health Officer at the Office of the President, Jessica Anthony.
She assured that the chat platform is confidential and no one has to provide any personal contact information unless they willingly consent to or request follow-up services.
She explained that the website is a centralised and trusted space for people to learn more about mental health and access various resources.
Ms Anthony said the tools that were launched amounted to a vision in which mental health is no longer whispered about behind closed doors or met with fear, shame, discrimination or silence.
The video series tackles real mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying in ways that are accessible, relatable, and empowering for youths.
She said the stories are designed to inform, spread conversation, build empathy, and inspire action.
“They are meant to educate but more importantly to encourage children to speak up, to reach out for help and to understand that they are not alone,” SBM Offshore’s Sustainability Lead, Gwenetta Fordyce, said.
The Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) has also been supporting Guyana’s mental health plans.
The three mental health initiatives were launched to coincide with Mental Health Month being observed under the theme “Mental Health for All: Accessibility, Awareness and Education”.
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