By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

Senator Darren Pickstock has described the recent rise in suicides as “scary” and a “national crisis” that requires “urgent attention and action”, warning the country could be on pace to reach a record number of cases if current trends continue.

He said the nation must shift its approach to addressing mental health, pointing to the social stigma that often surrounds suicide and those affected by it.

Tribune records show six suicides were reported in the first three months of 2025 — matching the total for all of 2023 and only two fewer than the eight reported in 2024.

Mr Pickstock said the current pace of cases is “unfathomable and scary”.

“While there exists within some segments of Bahamian society a misunderstanding of the causes of suicides and a blanket categorisation of suicide victims as ‘weak,’ it is imperative that as a nation we move beyond stigma and misinformation to foster a culture of understanding, support, and intervention.”

He highlighted recent steps taken by the Davis administration to address mental health issues, including the passage of the Mental Health Act 2022, increased funding for the Crisis Centre, and the allocation of $500,000 toward the National Mental Health Programme.

“These steps are a positive movement, however, we must all play our part. We can best do this by being our brother’s and sister’s keepers and paying attention to the warning signs, such as depression and withdrawn behaviour. Our nation cannot afford to stand by in silence. Together, let’s work to prevent the occurrence of more suicides and end the stigma associated with mental health illness in The Bahamas.”