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Psychologist Dr. Leahcim Semaj is urging Jamaican authorities to apply the same online surveillance tools used to track cybercrimes to identify individuals showing suicidal tendencies on social media. His call comes against the backdrop of sobering statistics: 44 people have died by suicide in 2025 so far, just nine fewer than the 53 recorded over the same period in 2024. Even more troubling is the recent surge—suicides in July rose by 33% compared to last year, while August and September saw increases of 20% and 25% respectively. At the same time, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reports 2,452 calls to its mental health helpline as of September 29, a rise of 233 calls year-on-year, reflecting both growing awareness and the urgent demand for intervention.
The issue was thrust into the spotlight with the death of 26-year-old accountant and beauty pageant contestant Tyra Spaulding, who was found at her St. Andrew home on September 23. Spaulding, remembered for her elegance in the 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant and her advocacy for suicide prevention, had been candid about her struggles. In a YouTube video titled Don’t Be Sad, posted weeks before her death, she confessed, “I’m fighting for my life… my mind is trying to kill me. Part of me wants to live, but another part wants to die.” On Instagram, she had earlier admitted to followers that she was “going through hell.” Dr. Semaj stressed that such digital expressions should serve as red flags, adding that social media monitoring could save lives if used as an early warning system.
Spaulding’s passing has sparked widespread grief, not only because of her youth and promise but also because she had been vocal about mental health—making her death a tragic reminder of the silent battles many face. It echoes the struggles of dancehall artiste Lisa Hyper, born Felicia Gooden, who earlier this year found herself in the headlines after being arrested at Norman Manley International Airport on an assault charge. Beyond her legal troubles, Hyper has been open about her fight with psychosis and bipolar disorder, undergoing treatment at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Her admission underscores how deeply mental illness impacts even those in the public eye, often magnified under the pressures of fame.
Experts like Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, Director of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, are now urging Jamaicans to use the helpline, emphasizing its 24/7 availability. He also encourages community-based support, noting that talking with peers and trusted confidants can make a crucial difference in navigating stress and despair. As the country contends with rising suicides and heightened calls for help, mental health advocates stress that awareness alone is not enough—proactive measures, timely interventions, and reduced stigma are key to turning the tide.
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