The Big Issues

Don't Avoid the Subject: Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

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In this episode we discuss suicide prevention and mental health. In Antigua and Barbuda, sadly, two suspected suicides were recently reported. But the mental health and counselling professionals we speak to in this segment want those listening to know that if you are having suicidal thoughts, you can get the professional assistance you need to process and work through that space and to feel better. Seeking help is not easy sometimes, but it is worth it. 

Our mental health is affected by a complex set of factors that the best of us struggle to understand, and that is why seeking help when we don't feel right is absolutely necessary. Don't fight alone and don't feel ashamed. Suicide leaves your loved ones devastated. It's often done impulsively in the face of something that only seemed like a crisis at the time, but which was not worth ending one's life over. It denies you the very real and very good chance of beginning to feel better with help. If you or anyone you know in Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing suicidal thoughts, they can contact the Family and Social Services Division for help at 562-5669.

Our guests emphasize for those listening, that taking one's life is never the answer. They're asking everyone to look out for their friends and loved ones who can be seen showing the warning signs talked about in this episode. We are found wanting as a society in how we respond to each other's struggles. We brand people with hurtful names and labels, and we react to suicide attempts, and break-downs with gossip and anger instead of kindness and empathy. We can do better, and we must. Perhaps worst, we tend to ignore or trivialize people's pain. It's sometimes a lot to take on. We know. That's why professional help is so important for the person in trouble, and even for loved ones trying to help.

The host is Kieron Murdoch. The guests are:

  1. Terese Millet-Joseph, a counseling psychologist, originally from the island of Antigua. She has been working in this field for the past 16 years. Over the span of her career, her duties have included professional and curriculum development, human resource management, advocacy work, lectures, workshops, seminars, and therapeutic services. She is currently a practicing psychotherapist in Central New York, and a doctoral student pursuing a PhD in Human Development & Family Science at Syracuse University.
  2. Feona Charles-Richards, Acting Director of the Family and Social Services Division here in Antigua and Barbuda. In that role she coordinates the work of a number of social services including the Child Protection Unit, the Probation Unit, and the and The Boys Training School. She received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.
  3. Naeemah Hazelle, Deputy Director of the National Counselling Centre in St. Kitts and Nevis. Naeemah studied sociology and psychology, specializing in gender and race, and obtained her master’s degree in counselling psychology from the UWI. She   has over 20 years of experience working with youth communities in St. Kitts and Nevis in the areas of Health and Family Life Education, guidance and counselling, juvenile justice, and NGO development.


    4. This programme first aired on NewsCo Observer Radio 91.1 FM on September 12th, 2021. Get the latest news from Antigua and Barbuda at the Antigua Observer online.

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    The Big IssuesBy The Big Issues Production Team