Changing the Narrative on Suicides in Belize  

For Belizeans everywhere, September is a time of celebration as the country observes the Tenth of September, Independence Day and accompanying festivities. However, September is also a month to raise awareness for various mental health issues as the country observes Suicide Prevention Month. Belize recorded seventy-nine cases of suicide between 2022 and 2023, with males accounting for the majority. To shine a light on the prevalence of suicides in Belize and end the stigma against seeking mental health assistance, the Western Regional Hospital is hosting its annual 4K Glow Walk on September fifth. We spoke with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Anne Link for more information on the resources available for those struggling with their mental health.

 

Anne Link, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Western Regional Hospital

“With our theme for this year, suicide prevention it is changing the narrative. So being that’s the team, it’s all about focusing and saying what your narrative is. And in order to change it, we have to hear, we have to be able to communicate it. So, to be able to reach that point, we have to hear others be able to show this is what I’m going through and then someone else will be, you know what, I’m going through that too. And by creating that bond that their thoughts and their feelings are heard and validated, and that’s something that should be quiet about or shouldn’t be spoken about. And that’s one of the things that lets the person that’s going through it. lengthened the time before they get help is that they don’t want to see what they’re going through. So, by making it something we acknowledge that someone can go through, it is more easier for someone to say, it’s happening to me too. What have you done to help to make it through those moments?  One of the things that’s very difficult is stigma. Those who do  look for help,  they’re afraid of being seen as someone that is not stable. And for instance, always, once you hear mental or psychology, Everyone that hears that you think or what they’re saying is not validated. And that’s far from the truth that we want to ensure that person is heard. It does not mean that you’re crazy as a lot of people want to think. It means that you have feelings and thoughts that needs to be addressed. And the first step is talking about.”

 

Link encourages those struggling with their mental health to visit the Western Regional Hospital or contact them via their Facebook page or phone number.