Official figures show that approximately 130 people in Suriname die from suicide annually and that 600 suicide attempts are made each year. Photo: File

Official figures show that approximately 130 people in Suriname die from suicide annually and that 600 suicide attempts are made each year.

The figures also show that more than 16,660 young people have mental health problems and the Rotary Club of Paramaribo Quota, in collaboration with Mind Matters Foundation Suriname, has launched the campaign to help deal with the situation.

They said the campaign 'Talk about it!' has been successful, reaching more than 250,000 people via social media channels.

The organisers said that over the next two months, three times a week, impactful videos of famous Surinamese people and informative posts will be shared on the social media pages of Mind Matters Foundation Suriname and the Rotary club of Paramaribo Quota.

As part of the previous campaign, a website was developed where information could have been obtained regarding suicidal thoughts as well as providing an outlet for persons seeking help.

“This means that there is always an online source of information available to fall back on when needed,” according to the Rotary Club.