Suriname and the Region
Suicide and attempted suicide are identified by now as a public and mental health problem in Suriname. To the WHO, the country reported a suicide rate of 23/100 000 (2011). The rate for suicide attempts is estimated to be more than 200/100 000. Gradually, suicidality is receiving slightly more attention from health care professionals. On an individual level however, suicidal ideation is not considered to be a warning signal that implies the necessity to seek help. Taboo and anxiety both result in silence and surprise if a suicide attempt is there. Helpers often are reluctant, fearing that talking might enhance a suicide risk.
An epidemiological study in the most western, agricultural Nickerie catchment area revealed even higher rates of suicide than the country as a whole, 46 per 100,000 on average in the years 2004–2011. Particularly remarkable are the high number of attempted suicides among males (49%), and the use of pesticides in both fatal (52 %) and nonfatal suicidal behavior (50 %). Other rural districts also have relatively high suicide rates. Vulnerable in particular are persons from East-Indian descent. Some research into this situation is available, but explanations still are preliminary.