Forty-four (44) suicides have been recorded since the start of the year.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force says this is compared to 53 cases for the same January to September period of 2024.

It says this represents a 16.9% year-on-year decline.

According to the Constabulary, at face value, this decline appears positive; however, the monthly breakdown reveals a troubling pattern.

It points out that suicides were consistently lower in the first six months of 2025 compared with 2024, but the second half of the year has seen a reversal.

July 2025 recorded 8 suicides, a 33% increase over July 2024, while August and September rose by 20% and 25% respectively compared with the same months last year.

The Constabulary adds that the overwhelming majority of suicides remain among males.

It notes that suicides among women, while still relatively low, may be edging upwards.

It says this signals the need for urgent gender-sensitive interventions, as women’s experiences with self-harm often differ and may be linked to domestic, relational and/or social factors that require tailored responses.

Noting that it recognises that suicide is not solely a policing matter but a broader public health and social challenge, the JCF is calling on all relevant stakeholders, including public and mental health professionals, social workers and faith-based organisations to intensify their interventions so that the effects of suicide can be lessened.

The JCF is also urging persons who might be experiencing mental and/or social challenges to seek proper assistance through various mediums such as a pastor, peer group or any upstanding individual in their community.