Suicide – an interaction of multiple factors

SUICIDE IS a complex public health issue resulting from an interaction of multiple factors; there is no single cause. The main causes are generally categorised as individual, relationship, community, and societal risk factors that converge to create a sense of overwhelming psychological pain and hopelessness.

Dr Donovan Thomas, suicidologist, Choose Life International, said the general suicide rate in Jamaica remains low globally, at approximately 2.4 per 100,000 people, according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

However, he indicated that although the suicide rate is not considered alarming based on the figures, when one person commits suicide, it is one too many.

“There are many reasons why people believe suicide is their only option and the facts and figures are a stark wake-up call for us all. While having conversations around suicide are vital, we must also look at how and where we can intervene before someone even gets to the stage where they might be considering it,” Dr Thomas said.

“It is important that we ensure the right mental health and wellbeing support is in place and as an organisation, we place great emphasis on services which provide mental health support early on, before someone reaches crisis point,” he added.

Dr Thomas was a guest presenter at a forum hosted by the Association of Christian Communicators and Media; held on the topic ‘Overcoming Personal Crises’. The discussion was intended to help Jamaicans navigate the challenges of everyday life, and the trauma of Hurricane Melissa.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has flagged a ‘troubling mid-year surge’ in cases in July, August, and September of 2025, despite the overall year-on-year decline for the first nine months.

URGED TO UTILISE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Jamaica experienced a total of 67 suicide deaths in 2024, a slight increase from 66 cases in 2023. Preliminary data for the period of January to September 2025 recorded 44 suicides, a decline compared to the same period in 2024, though recent months have shown a concerning surge.

Authorities, including the JCF and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, are urging individuals to utilise mental health services and community support to prevent suicides.

“I am very clear that one suicide is too many. Suicide might feel like an intimidating topic to talk about, but it is an important one for that reason. Sadly, suicidal thoughts affect thousands of adults and children every single day. This will rightly shock you, as it did me, but it only serves to emphasise why it is so important that we talk about it,” Dr Thomas said.

Reducing the stigma around the topic of suicide can save lives, he indicated. However, the topic understandably feels daunting.

“We may worry that if we talk about it with someone who is having suicidal thoughts, it may make them more likely to act. But there is evidence to suggest that talking about suicide with someone you are concerned about is in fact helpful. Having a conversation about suicide won’t lead to people acting on it, but not talking about it might,” Dr Thomas said.

Mental health conditions are among the strongest psychological triggers for suicidal behaviour. While depression is the most common condition associated with suicide. However, other disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are all linked to suicidal behaviours.

TRIGGERS

Other common psychological triggers include substance misuse and substance use disorders. Some substances can intensify mood swings, reduce inhibitions, and increase impulsivity, potentially worsening suicidal thoughts. What’s more, intoxication is a risk factor in itself, as roughly one in five people who die by suicide had alcohol in their system at the time of death.

People experiencing psychological distress may turn to substances as a form of self-medication. Plus, substance use disorders may worsen or contribute to the development of mental health disorders. When mental health challenges and substance use overlap, they can form a cycle of distress that deepens suicidal risk.

“Life circumstances can be a powerful influence on suicidal behaviour. Social and environmental triggers can create or amplify feelings of overwhelm, hopelessness, and despair, which are associated with suicidal behaviour,” Dr Thomas said.

Pastor Luke Smith, youth counsellor, who was also a guest presenter on the forum, said a sense of belonging is critically important in the context of suicide prevention.

Research he said, shows that feeling connected to others and having strong social bonds can act as protective factors against suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

“Protective factors for suicide are personal or environmental characteristics that reduce the likelihood of suicide. These factors operate as a buffer against risk factors and can be enhanced through targeted interventions, which play a critical role in comprehensive suicide prevention strategies,” Pastor Smith said.

Positive social connections include robust familial bonds, dependable friendships, and supportive relationships with mentors or community members. Individuals who cultivate such positive social bonds are less susceptible to experiencing isolation, a substantial risk factor for suicide.

“These positive social connections allow for open dialogue regarding emotional well-being, thus creating relational dynamics where seeking assistance for mental distress is normalised. Moreover, these social bonds impart a sense of belonging and community, serving as a protective shield against life’s inevitable stressors and adversities,” Pastor Smith said.

Other presenters included Dr Calvin Isaacs, counselling psychologists, Family Life Ministry, and Kari Heron, speaker and consultant.

Sources: Ministry of Health and Wellness, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention