By Mark DaCosta- The Alliance For Change (AFC) is using its platform to bring to light the escalating mental health crisis in Guyana, which has long been a cause for concern but is now reaching alarming levels. Colin Haynes, representing the party, described the situation as a “crisis of unprecedented proportions,” pointing to the nation’s ranking as second in the world for suicide rates.
According to 2019 data from the World Bank and Pan American Health Organisation, Guyana recorded a staggering 40.3 suicide cases per 100,000 people, a figure that Haynes said likely underrepresents the true scale of the issue due to underreporting, especially in Regions 6 and 2.
Haynes criticised the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government for its lack of transparency in collecting and disseminating data on mental health. He argued that this secrecy hampers the development of effective, evidence-based interventions and exacerbates the stigma associated with mental illness.
The AFC is particularly concerned about the severe shortage of trained mental health professionals, including counsellors, child psychologists, psychiatrists, and surveillance officers, which limits access to much-needed services.
In response to these challenges, the AFC is advocating for the establishment of a dedicated mental health institution within the Ministry of Health. This institution would focus on specialized training for mental health professionals, conduct rigorous research, and ensure quality assurance through ongoing programme evaluations. “We need a system that not only treats mental illness but also works proactively to prevent it,” Haynes emphasised.
The party also proposed the creation of a Mental Health Corps, a specialised team that would provide immediate crisis interventions across all ten regions. This initiative aims to bring mental health services to communities that are currently underserved or completely neglected.
Additionally, the AFC is calling for comprehensive cohort and longitudinal studies to assess levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders across different ethnic groups and geographic locations. By grounding these interventions in data, the AFC hopes to reduce stigma and encourage more individuals to seek help before their conditions worsen.
