Region One students rally against suicide

Last Thursday, hundreds of students from Mabaruma in Region One came together to participate in a rally, aimed at raising awareness for youth suicide and suicide prevention.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the rally which was convened under the theme, ‘Take a Minute, Change a life’ was held at the Mabaruma Primary School and saw invited speakers, including Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley stressing to students who may be struggling that they “are not alone.”

“Suicide does not end the chances of life getting worse, rather it eliminates the possibility of it ever getting better, and therefore, I want to encourage you that when the thoughts of committing suicide or ending your life comes, find someone who would take that minute to help you change your mind,” the release quoted the Regional Chairman as urging.

According to the release, he asked the students to place their hands over their heart as, “The beat of the heart tells you that you are here for a purpose. It tells you that the only way you can find purpose is not by dying. It is not by committing suicide, but by finding ways to face the challenges that may arise before us,” the release quoted him as saying.

The Regional Chairman also urged the students to learn the warning signs, watch for them, to be their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, and look out for the depressed and vulnerable.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health,