It seems reasonable to assume that information coming out of the south-central parish of Manchester regarding mental health and suicidal behaviour is probably reflective of a national trend.

Worryingly, we are told by regional director at the Southern Regional Health Authority Mr Michael Bent that there was an increase in suicide attempts in Manchester last year.

“In 2022 there were 26 reported suicide attempts among adults in Manchester and, in 2023, there were 49 — an increase of almost 90 per cent… Thank God, not many of them were successful. There were only attempts…” Mr Bent told Rotarians in Mandeville on Tuesday.

The situation is even more alarming in regards to children, according to the regional director.

“In 2022 we had 63 children who attempted suicide in Manchester, while in 2023 there were 195 reported attempts,” Mr Bent said.

We don’t have to be rocket scientists to know that in the great majority, if not all cases, the decision to take one’s own life is the result of mental disorder and distress.

In that regard, we note word from Mr Bent that an increasing number of people with mental health challenges are seeking help at facilities in Manchester.

He told his audience that in 2022 there were 5,882 clients with mental health challenges visiting primary and secondary health-care facilities. By 2023, the figure had increased to 6,250.

That appears to indicate that the tendency to sweep mental health problems under the carpet — away from prying eyes — is fading, which must be good.

While we are uncertain of the exact number of suicides in Jamaica last year, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton was reported by the Jamaica Information Service as saying in September that, up to then, 52 people had taken their own lives. That was in comparison to 64 for all of 2022, and 51 in 2021.

There is no question that professional care is essential for mental disorders and in preventing self-harm and worse.

But also, as we have said repeatedly in this space, there must be recognition within communities and families of the roles ordinary folk can play in helping relatives, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances to overcome problems.

In some cases all that’s needed is a listening ear.

For children, adults must always guard against applying undue pressure in quest of academic grades and so forth.

Dr Tufton has underlined the need for Jamaicans to develop “a protocol of empathy, of understanding, and, indeed, the willingness for outreach and to share your experiences in a way that encourages others…”

Proactive efforts by the authorities to train community leaders and educators to understand how best to help those in need are commendable.

Likewise, the work of entities such as the Ebenezer Rehabilitation Centre and Candle in the Dark Empowerment Centre, which were honoured on Tuesday for catering to the homeless and mentally ill in Manchester.

Much more of such effort is needed.

Crucially, as Mr Bent told his audience, families need to look inwards.

Said he: “…Let us start with our homes. Too often we point the finger elsewhere: ‘Oh, the neighbour mad bwoy, or the mad girl down the road deh suh.’ Let us look within and start with our homes…”

That’s so true.