THE HEALTH | SEPTEMBER , 2023

MINDTALK

BY DR ROZANIZAM ZAKARIA

The concept of a day dedicated to suicide prevention has roots in various national and regional initiatives already in place in many countries during the late 20th century . These efforts aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness about suicide as a significant public health issue .

“ Creating Hope Through Action ” is the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 – 2023 . This theme serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention through our actions .

Here are some important facts regarding suicide ( Source : World Health Organisation ( WHO ) Suicide Factsheets 2023 ):

• More than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year .

• For every suicide , there are many more who attempt suicide .

• A prior suicide attempt is a significant risk factor for suicide in the general population .

• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds .

• Seventy-seven per cent of global suicides occur in low and middleincome countries .

• Ingestion of pesticides , hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally .

WHY DOES SUICIDE PREVENTION MATTER ?

The prevention of suicide is a crucial topic with wide-ranging implications . Its primary goal is to save lives and give individuals who may be dealing with excruciating agony and despair . Beyond the immediate sadness of lives lost , addressing suicide aids in the fight against the stigma associated with mental health by encouraging others to get treatment without worrying about being judged .

Additionally , the destructive effects on families , communities , and the economy are acknowledged . By focusing on suicide prevention , we can increase mental health awareness , recognise early warning signs of distress , and create scientifically supported strategies to lessen suicidal behaviour . This universal problem

demonstrates our dedication to empathy and the welfare of every person , establishing a culture where mental health is recognised and advocated .

Suicide prevention is of the utmost importance for addressing the large economic and public health burden associated with suicide in addition to saving lives and reducing stigma . We can create efficient policies and interventions that target at-risk groups and advance a more sympathetic , moral culture that values its citizens ’ mental health if we acknowledge it as a public health issue . In the end , suicide prevention is about reaffirming each person ’ s value and dignity , providing assistance in times of need , and building a society where everyone can find hope and healing .

CREATING HOPE

Hope is a crucial factor in suicide prevention and mental health . It can play a significant role in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviour . Here are some key points to understand the relationship between hope and suicide :

Hope as a protective factor : Hope is often considered a protective factor against suicide . When individuals have a sense of hope , they are more likely to believe that their circumstances can improve , which can reduce their risk of contemplating or attempting suicide . Conversely , a lack of hope can contribute to feelings of despair and hopelessness , which are risk factors for suicide .

Hope in mental health treatment : Mental health professionals often work with individuals to cultivate hope as part of their treatment . Therapeutic interventions , such as cognitivebehavioural therapy ( CBT ) and dialectical behaviour therapy ( DBT ), focus on helping individuals develop a more hopeful outlook and acquire skills to cope with distress .

Peer and community support : Friends , family , and community support can also foster hope in individuals facing mental health challenges . Connecting with others who have overcome similar difficulties can provide inspiration and demonstrate that recovery and healing are possible .

Prevention efforts : Suicide prevention efforts often promote hope by emphasising messages of support , recovery , and the importance of seeking help .

Cultivating hope through various means , including support networks , mental health treatment , education , and community awareness , can contribute to reducing the risk of

Dr Rozanizam Zakaria is a Psychiatrist and Asst Prof at the Kulliyyah of Medicine , International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM ). He has also served as a member of the National Technical Team for Suicide Prevention under the Ministry of Health Malaysia . suicide . It is essential to recognise the role of hope and its potential impact on individuals experiencing mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts , offering them a path towards healing and recovery .

TAKING ACTION

Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach involving individuals , communities , healthcare systems , and governments . These are some action plans for suicide prevention that outline key strategies : 1 . Increase awareness and reduce stigma by educating the community and relevant agencies .

2 . Enhance access to mental healthcare by increasing funding for mental health services and treatment options , ensuring mental health services are affordable and accessible to all individuals .

3 . Improve crisis helplines and hotlines .

4 . Develop and implement school programmes by implementing mental health and suicide prevention programmes in schools , training school staff to identify at-risk students and provide appropriate support and encouraging peer support and mentoring programmes .

5 . Support at-risk populations by targeting suicide prevention efforts toward vulnerable groups , such as women , children , and youth , those with a history of mental illness and poor social support . 6 . Restrict access to lethal means . 7 . Promote responsible media reporting by collaborating with media outlets to create guidelines for responsible reporting on suicide , avoid sensationalism and provide information on available resources . Overall , effective suicide prevention involves a combination of strategies and a multi-sectoral approach . It requires the collaboration of individuals , organisations , communities , and governments to create a world where mental health is valued , and every life is protected . – The Health