The Tribune

KNOWING when someone is in crisis, having the courage to ask about suicide, creating safe spaces for children and understanding how to respond before it is too late were at the heart of a mental health conversation in Sea Breeze earlier this month.

Held just two days before World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, “Mental Health Matters: A Conversation That Matters” brought residents together at New Dimension Ministries for an evening focused not simply on awareness, but on giving ordinary people practical tools to recognise distress, respond compassionately and help connect someone in crisis with professional support.

The community initiative was hosted by Sea Breeze Member of Parliament Leslia Miller-Brice and Team LB under the message, “Together, We Can Save Lives.”

Mrs Miller-Brice said the evening was intended to help break the silence and stigma that still surround mental health.

“Tonight wasn’t about giving you every answer. It was about opening a door — a door to information, to resources, and hopefully, to a little more understanding, whether for yourself or for someone you love,” she told Sea Breeze constituents.

She encouraged residents not to allow the conversation to end with the seminar, urging them to check in on friends and neighbours, be honest about their own well-being, seek support when needed and walk alongside others who may be struggling.

“The more we talk about it openly, the less power silence and stigma have over us,” she said.

Knastachia Cooper-Saunders, president of the Bahamas Social Workers Association and a social worker with the Ministry of Social Services, led a presentation on “Supporting Young People: Creating Safe Spaces for Children and Teens.”

Ms Cooper-Saunders challenged adults to look beyond what may appear to be anger, defiance, disrespect or withdrawal in a young person and consider what may be happening beneath the behaviour. Hurt, grief, fear, trauma, rejection and loneliness can manifest themselves through behaviour when a child does not yet have the words or sense of safety needed to communicate what is wrong.

Her central message was that protecting a child involves more than keeping that child physically safe. Young people also need to feel seen, heard, supported, connected and able to speak the truth. Adults were encouraged to listen without dismissing their concerns, give young people a voice, act when protection is required and remain consistent in their lives.

Sandra M Payne, therapist and counsellor with the Bahamas Crisis Centre, tackled the critical subject of “Mental Health First Aid: How to Support Someone in Crisis.”

She outlined warning signs that could signal a mental health crisis, including withdrawal, hopelessness, agitation or distress, difficulty coping, concerns about personal safety and significant changes in a person’s usual behaviour.

Importantly, participants were encouraged not to shy away from difficult conversations.

Where suicide or self-harm is a concern, Ms Payne explained that it is appropriate to ask the person directly whether they are thinking about hurting themselves or suicide. The presentation reinforced that asking directly about suicide does not create suicidal thoughts and that any indication of self-harm or suicide should be taken seriously.

Her presentation also emphasised that a friend, relative, neighbour or colleague does not have to become a counsellor to help someone in crisis. A supporter can make a difference by noticing changes, approaching the person, listening without judgement, recognising when professional help is needed and assisting the individual in reaching that help.

Therapist Harrison Thompson addressed “Healthy Coping Strategies for Stress and Difficult Emotions,” providing participants with practical approaches to managing stress and navigating difficult emotional experiences in healthier ways.

The evening expanded into a panel discussion with mental health professionals Antonique Bannister, registered psychiatric mental health nurse; Tandra Longley, registered mental health nurse; and Dr Garreth Curry, all of Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

Residents were able to engage directly with the professionals, ask questions and learn more about mental health, intervention and available support.

Despite the seriousness of the subject, organisers intentionally created an engaging community atmosphere. Pass the Gift, Mental Health Bingo and Pass the Positivity were incorporated into the programme, along with prize giveaways, helping to make conversations around mental health more approachable.

Participants were also provided with information on mental health and crisis resources available in New Providence, including the Bahamas Crisis Centre, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, the Department of Social Services, the Community Counselling and Assessment Centre and other support organisations.

As The Bahamas joined countries around the world in observing World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, September 10, the message coming out of Sea Breeze was simple but consequential: saving a life may begin with noticing that something has changed, asking the difficult question, listening to the answer — and refusing to leave someone to face a crisis alone.