Addressing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: A Critical Conversation in St. Maarten
On March 27 and 28, 2025, Dr. Thomas-Maccow, the Director of Turning Point, led an impactful roundtable discussion on suicide prevention and mental health at the Parliament of St. Maarten. Organized by the Committee of Justice, the event focused on tackling the urgent mental health crisis affecting the island, with a particular emphasis on the growing rates of suicide.
A Global and Local Crisis
Dr. Thomas-Maccow opened the discussion by highlighting the devastating reality of suicide, a crisis that claims over 700,000 lives globally each year. With alarming increases in suicide rates among young people, the conversation is more critical than ever. Closer to home, Sint Maarten has also seen a rise in suicides in recent years, exacerbated by the complex mix of social issues and mental health challenges.
Dr. Thomas emphasized that the root causes of suicide are often linked to depression, substance abuse, financial difficulties, and interpersonal struggles. However, she stressed that the way forward requires more than just acknowledging the problem; it calls for immediate action within the community.
Community-Driven Solutions
During her address, Dr. Thomas proposed a range of strategies aimed at tackling mental health issues and preventing suicides. These solutions were designed not only for mental health professionals but for the entire community. Some of the key recommendations included:
Teaching coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills in schools and workplaces to better equip individuals with the tools to handle life's challenges.
Strengthening social-emotional education and resilience programs to empower individuals, especially young people, to navigate emotional struggles.
Promoting family support through improved parenting skills and open dialogues about mental health within families.
Fostering community wellness programs to build supportive environments where mental health is prioritized and cared for.
Dr. Thomas made it clear that suicide prevention isn't just a responsibility for experts—it requires the collective effort of the entire community. By recognizing warning signs, offering support, and fostering a culture of care, lives can be saved.
Addressing Substance Misuse and Mental Health Together
One of the critical intersections Dr. Thomas-Maccow discussed was the link between mental health issues and substance misuse. She pointed out that alcohol and drug use disorders are strongly correlated with an increased risk of suicide. Substance abuse often leads to violent behavior, further elevating the risk of suicidal tendencies.
For Dr. Thomas, it’s crucial to approach treatment holistically. Comprehensive care that addresses both mental health and substance misuse concurrently is vital in preventing suicides and helping individuals lead healthier lives.
“We can bring in experts to improve our mental health care,” Dr. Thomas stated, “but addressing our social issues must come first. Without tackling these underlying problems, we’re only addressing the symptoms, not the root causes.”
The Role of Early Intervention
Dr. Thomas also elaborated on the role mental health issues play in criminal behavior. She emphasized that individuals with untreated mental health disorders—particularly those combined with substance abuse—are more likely to engage in criminal activities, including violent crimes. Early intervention, she argued, is key in breaking this cycle. Instead of individuals falling into criminal behavior, it’s crucial to guide them toward appropriate treatment and recovery.
A Call for Comprehensive Solutions
The discussion continued throughout March 28, with Members of Parliament (MPs) showing strong support for initiatives aimed at addressing the growing mental health crisis in Sint Maarten. Dr. Thomas concluded by urging the government and the community to focus on the root causes of mental health issues, particularly the social challenges that contribute to the crisis. As she noted, any efforts to improve mental health care and substance misuse treatment will fall short unless these fundamental problems are addressed first.
About Turning Point
Turning Point Foundation is Sint Maarten’s leading faith-based substance abuse treatment provider, offering a range of individualized care services through individual, group, and family therapy. With a focus on empowering clients to achieve sobriety and reintegrate into society, Turning Point is committed to transforming lives and improving community health.
For more information or to learn how you can contribute to Turning Point’s mission, visit www.TPFSXM.com.