PULLING PEOPLE FROM THE BRINK

MARK.....300 people turned up to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

By : REBECCA CHONG

THIS is the message the Befrienders Kota Kinabalu tried to spread when they marked the 10th Anniversary of World Suicide Prevention Day on 9th of September 2012 at the Likas Sports Complex in Kota Kinabalu. Almost 300 people turned up to take part in the anniversary event.

Suicide is not an isolated occurrence. Approximately 1 million people around the world kill themselves every year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Mathematically, this translates to one person dying of suicide in every 40 seconds all over the world.

Malaysia has its own worrisome statistics. According to the National Suicide Registry, from mid 2007 to 2010, there were 1156 suicide cases registered, which amounted to 1.3 suicides per 100,000 people in the country during the period.

National Health and Morbidity Survey conducted by Malaysia's Ministry of Health in 2011 reported that depression was a significant factor that leads to suicide. It recorded 1.8 percent, of adult Malaysian population as being depressed for one reason or another, and 1.7 percent were considered suicidal. 0.9 percent made plan for suicide and 0.5 percent actually tried.

Suicidal ideation stems from a combination of complex inter-related biological, social, psychological and environmental factors. Those living under extremely difficult personal circumstances and experience stressful life events such as family disharmony, interpersonal conflicts, relationship breakdowns, financial problems, social isolation are known to be prone to suicidal tendencies.

Befrienders Worldwide has gathered considerable knowledge about suicide in the 10 years of its existence, and WHO recognises suicide as a major public health issue globally.

Today dealing with extreme depression is considered part of the government's mental health programme, but the responsibility to prevent suicide rests with everyone. Family members, friends, community leaders or employers must play their part to prevent suicide.

"As individuals, we can reach out and offer help to those we know are suffering from emotional crisis, depressive symptoms or having suicidal emotions. Simple things that we can do are to take their problem seriously, take time to listen and show empathy, be supportive and caring" said Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Health Malaysia.

This is precisely what Befrienders Kota Kinabalu try to do. A non-profit organization, affiliated with Befrienders Worldwide across more than 50 countries, they have a team of dedicated specially trained volunteers who operate a helpline service (telephone 088-255788) from 7p.m. to 9p.m. daily.

Their primary aim is to give emotional support to people who contemplate suicide. They also try to soothe misery, loneliness, despair and depression simply by listening to and comforting those who experience social isolation and feel they have nowhere else to turn to.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the World Suicide Prevention Day, which indicates 10 years of research, prevention, education and dissemination of information. An encouraging outcome from the decade’s dealing with suicidal cases is the conclusion that suicide can be prevented. (Insight Sabah)