Regional seminar strengthens Caribbean suicide prevention

WILLEMSTAD — The Dutch Caribbean Mental Health Federation (DCMH) organized a regional seminar at the University of Curaçao focusing on cooperation and knowledge-sharing to strengthen suicide prevention across the Caribbean.

Held under the theme Together in Prevention, Together in Hope, the event welcomed 122 people in person, while participants from several islands and beyond the Caribbean followed the morning program online.

Specialists addressed suicide prevention from global and local perspectives, youth mental health and the key findings of the GGZ CAS-BES Regional Overview 2025. Interactive workshops focused on vulnerable groups, prevention in schools and the early recognition of warning signs.

Families and people who had lost loved ones to suicide also shared their experiences. Their stories emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs, discussing mental health openly and improving cooperation among families, schools, healthcare professionals, community organizations and governments.

According to DCMH, suicide prevention must continue beyond a single awareness day. It requires sustained attention, reduced stigma and the involvement of society as a whole.

Recordings of the morning presentations are available on Vimeo through Respaldo’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages.