Depression and its symptoms are not to be taken lightly especially as a mental state that is linked to suicide, says Mrs. Nicole Christian-Alfred, social worker in the ministry of health, which is currently on an active campaign on mental health awareness. This year’s theme is “targeting mental conditions, dealing with suicide”. ‘World Mental Health Day’ is observed on 10th October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what needs to be done to make mental health care a reality worldwide. But mental health is not just subject to one day of the year. When asked “what are some of the signs to look out for, when dealing with Suicide?” Mrs Christian-Alfred said there many signs, but there are a few that are more prevalent, with depression being one of them. She says there are tools used within the psychiatric association that tests the patient or individual. Some of them being phq9 tests observations, and others. As it relates to the average number of suicides committed in Dominica, the total average has been relatively low, but the main area of concern is not the number of actual deaths, but rather the number of attempts, which is relatively high. Mrs. Nicole Christian Alfred, social worker in the ministry of health. Meantime Dr Nadia Wallace, one of the key role players in the mental health campaign says, this needs to be managed, because anyone who attempts suicide, is dealing with some underlining issues. Dr. Nadia Wallace, Dominica’s Psychiatric Unit
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