WILLEMSTAD - For the first time in years, a comprehensive study on suicide and suicidal thoughts is being conducted in Curaçao. Addiction clinic Brasami announced that it has launched an anonymous survey in cooperation with the regional umbrella organization for healthcare institutions in the Caribbean.

According to Brasami, there is currently very little statistical data available on suicide on the island. “Because of that, there is a lack of insight into the scale of the problem and the urgency for prevention and support,” said project leader Verda Betrian.

Anonymous Survey in Two Languages

The survey is available anonymously in both Papiamentu and Dutch. Its goal is to provide an initial picture of the experiences, thoughts, and warning signs present in the community. The results will be discussed during a regional webinar on suicide taking place next week.

Brasami emphasized that the data collected will be used to help develop better policies and concrete measures for suicide prevention on Curaçao.

Help Is Available

People currently experiencing suicidal thoughts are urged to seek help immediately. On Curaçao, you can contact your family doctor or Skuchami at 462-8840. In the Netherlands, call 113 Zelfmoordpreventie at 0800-0113 or chat at www.113.nl. Outside opening hours on Curaçao, the Huisartsenpost (HAP) can assist and refer you to further help.