An expert is asking people to ‘show up’ for those struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts.

Dr. Roger Ball, social worker and educator on anxiety interventions and suicide prevention, confirms that “coming forward” for people who are traumatized, struggling with suicidal thoughts, or those who have tried to kill themselves is the first important step to help them in their situation. healing and recovery.

Speaking at the Choose Life International 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day Seminar on Tuesday at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in St Andrew, Ball said that suicide is a global issue that is not restricted by individual circumstances. economics and economics.

He added: “Suicide is divided by gender, divided by geography, limited by religion… .

The event was held to celebrate the world suicide prevention day, which was held under the theme ‘Changing Issues by Suicide’, with an appeal to take action, Start a Conversation’.

According to Ball, trauma is defined by the Three E’s: the event, the experience and the effect or outcome.

He recounted a personal incident in which he was involved in an 18-wheel trailer accident while traveling in New York.

“The car was parked, I was choked … it was a mess,” he said.

“The incident is an accident; The experience is really that I’m pretty banged up. I called home – and those who have a problem have to call home, a big part of suicide prevention is being able to call home,” he said.

He went on to say that, while he was in the hospital, his one phone call home seemed to “wipe out” the Bronx, NY and West Chester, Pennsylvania, as people filled the room. of waiting for the hospital to give their support.

“Members of my congregation, my wife, my brothers, my sisters, my mother-in-law, came for me… and when we talk about trauma-informed practices, that what we’re talking about … is to show up,” he said, and the way you respond to that destroys the narrative that someone tells themselves.

“When we talk about recovery, for example, it’s the way we see ourselves for those who are suffering,” Ball added, noting that trauma can increase the risk of suicide.

He said that trauma disrupts a person’s narrative such as “I can do all things, I can go to all places, I can become anything in the world” because “when there is trauma it disrupts or interfere with our sense of self, our self that we are. , [and] how safe we ​​believe the world is”.

Ball, who serves as the director of social services for the Bronx borough of the New York City Center for Child Protection and Development (NYCPS), went on to highlight the trauma-informed strategy and created by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. Management (SAMHSA), based on the four Rs: understanding the risk and its effects on individuals, identifying the symptoms of the risk, having an effective response system, and avoiding getting frustrated again.

He added that this requires people to “come closer” so that they can play their part in helping people affected by trauma and suicidal thoughts.

In her talk on the global trends in suicide, grief and depression, doctor Grace Kelly said that one person commits suicide every 40 seconds and that suicide is very common around the world. .

He said that 20 to 30 people commit suicide per 100,000 people in Europe, the continent most affected by suicide.

Over a period of five to 10 years, the average annual suicide rate in Jamaica is two per 100,000 people.

Global data shows that 15 to 29-year-olds are the most likely to commit suicide and that 77 percent of suicides worldwide occur in high-income countries and households. lower and middle.

Kelly also noted that some of the main causes of suicide are relationship issues, mental health problems, financial problems, isolation, cultural and social pressure, access to lethal substances , sex and the effects of COVID-19.

According to statistics from the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s Economic and Social Survey in Jamaica, 64 people committed suicide in 2022, up from 51 last year.

People who need help can contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare through its 24-hour mental health. suicide prevention hotline at 888-NEW-LIFE (888-639-5433).

asha.wilks@gleanerjm.com