UNICEF building bridges for mental health in Nickerie, Suriname

In Suriname, the severity of mental health issues and the lack of investments and psychosocial support have become increasingly evident, especially for marginalized children and adolescents. The economic downturn exacerbated stress and tension, impacting children's mental wellbeing. 

The burden of mental health in Suriname, is most prominently noticeable in the growing suicide numbers.  According to WHO, Suicide rates in Suriname are alarmingly high, with 148 suicides in 2020, which is 4% of total deaths. This put Suriname globally in 6th place of countries with highest suicide rates. It is the second leading cause of death among 15- 39-year-olds.

Recent years have seen an increase in suicide attempts among children and adolescents. UNICEF’s mental health study recently conducted; revealed that 36 % of adolescents (10-18 years) have contemplated suicide. An alarming group of 76%, have indicated that they have experienced serious stress and or depression in the past 12 months. with the District Nickerie having the highest suicide rates nationally compared to other districts. This is due to economic hardships and limited job opportunities in the agricultural sector leading to financial stress and mental health issues, a lack of adequate mental health services and support systems, stigma, traditional beliefs, and attitudes prevent people from seeking help. Traditional beliefs and attitudes towards mental illness play a key role. 

Due to the agricultural nature of the district, pesticides are readily available and have been commonly used as a method of suicide, which is particularly prevalent in the district.

Nickerie also known as the rice district, is the second largest city in Suriname and the main agricultural district in the country, due to its rice production. 

“In Nickerie mental health is still taboo’, people are not open to talk about it and feel ashamed” says the District Commissioner of Nickerie, Mrs. Senrita Gobardhan, during one of the UNICEF-led stakeholder meetings. “Mental health remains a stigmatized subject and most unfortunate, suicide seems to be the first option for community members as it comes to solving problems and challenges.”

UNICEF has been actively supporting mental health efforts both nationally and in District Nickerie aimed at enabling a community that fosters mental well-being, in partnership with the district commissariat and the Ministry of Public Health, by implementing a multifaceted community -based program to address the mental health needs of young people and their families.  The program is implemented within 4 areas of focus: systems strengthening, awareness raising, resilience building through skills development, and positive parenting programs. 

Continue reading this story at the website of UNICEF Guyana & Suriname.