The police are reporting that the suicide rate, up to June, has doubled when compared to the same period last year.

According to figures revealed by the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), up to June 16 there were 29 cases of suicide. These include 25 males and four females, up from 15 cases (14 males and one female) for the corresponding period last year. There were 49 reported cases in total for 2006.

Portland and St Mary had the most cases with four each. In Clarendon and St Andrew, there were three cases each.

According to the CCN, hanging was used in 23 of the cases. Three suicides were recorded as shootings and three people reportedly ingested poison.

Factors

In outlining reasons, the CCN said six of the cases were caused by depression; three were related to domestic issues; two caused by mental disorder; and one arose from a murder/suicide. The causes for 17 cases are unknown.

Persons aged 26-30 represented the highest number of suicides, with six cases. This age group is followed by those from 51-55 and those from 11-15, with three cases each.

According to Russell McLean, acting director in the Counselling and Psychological Services Centre at the Northern Caribbean University, one of the primary reasons for people committing suicide in Jamaica today is an inability to cope with the financial hardships faced in the local economy.

"A person who talks about suicide should be taken seriously, as that person has an intention to commit the act, and should get immediate help," McLean said.