Jamaica is grappling with a concerning rise in suicides, with the country recording its highest number of suicide deaths in nearly 25 years.
According to data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Statistics and Information Management Unit, 67 suicide deaths were reported in 2024, surpassing 66 in 2023, 63 in 2022, 50 in 2021, and 43 in 2020.
The figures paint a troubling picture of the country’s mental health crisis, which has deepened since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest numbers mark the highest suicide toll since the year 2000, when 77 cases were recorded, followed by 75 in 2001.
Men at higher risk for suicide in Jamaica
The statistics also highlight a stark gender disparity in suicide deaths. Of the 67 suicides recorded last year, 61 were men—a pattern that has remained consistent over the years. The overwhelming presence of men in these figures has sparked discussions about mental health stigma, emotional suppression, and inadequate support systems for men in Jamaica.
Earlier this month, a former firefighter climbed the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre, threatening to take his own life. His attempt was halted after former colleagues from the Jamaica Fire Brigade intervened. Reports suggest that domestic issues were the main trigger. This incident has since fueled a nationwide debate on social media about men’s mental well-being, particularly in a culture where expressing vulnerability is often discouraged.
Breaking the stigma raound mental health
With the alarming rise in suicide rates, mental health advocates and government officials are urging Jamaicans to seek help through available counselling and support services.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has repeatedly called for a mindset shift regarding mental health in Jamaica. He emphasized that many citizens struggle with mental health challenges without realizing it, and those who do recognize their struggles often avoid seeking help due to fear of stigma.
“I would like to see the day when people brag about going to see their shrink like in America,” Tufton said. “You know, you have some people in America and they say, ‘Oh, I cannot bother with today, so I’m going to see my shrink, my psychiatrist, or my counsellor. I’m going in that long chair to lie down and just pour out my heart.’ That’s profound because what it is saying is it is okay to need that kind of support.”
In Jamaica, however, seeking professional mental health care is still frowned upon, with many casually labeling individuals in distress as “mad” or “crazy”. Tufton stressed the importance of normalizing mental health care and making it more accessible to all Jamaicans.
Call for greater mental health support
As Jamaica faces this growing crisis, mental health professionals and government agencies are being urged to expand their efforts in:
- Increasing awareness and education to combat stigma surrounding mental health.
- Enhancing access to affordable mental health services across the country.
- Creating more safe spaces for men to discuss their struggles without fear of judgment.
- Strengthening community-based interventions to provide early support for those at risk.
With suicide rates climbing, there is an urgent need for Jamaica to prioritize mental health as a national issue. Breaking the silence and encouraging open conversations could help save lives and provide much-needed relief to those silently suffering.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help through available counselling services.
