Most attempted suicide cases around the country for the year 2016 were recorded in the rural areas, according to Empower Pacific.

The organisation recently released the 2016 statistics on attempted suicide cases – with the rural areas having the highest number with 132, while 57 cases were from urban areas.

Empower Pacific Labasa Branch manager, Shobana Singh said relationship failures and family conflicts have been noted as the main reason why people attempt or commit suicide.

Ms Singh said the most commonly used methods were ingestion of weedicide, followed by over the counter drugs and prescribed medication.

“The less commonly used method noted for this period is self-harm. 189 clients were referred after having attempted suicide,” she said.

“Thus, counselling treatment goals focused on three main areas: stabilisation and safety of the client, assessment of temporal and distal risk factors and ongoing management and active problem-solving of contributing factors.

“Social workers worked in collaboration with the counsellors and attended to 46 of these cases.

“Social work intervention ensured that safety plans were in place. Moreover, family members and significant others were engaged to help safeguard the welfare of their loved ones,” she said.

Ms Singh also said there were a number of strategies to tackle the issue of youth suicide, like a crisis and counselling line, but the traditional family unit needs to do its job of providing support.

“The loss of human lives in any tragedy, whether it’s suicide or a car accident is a loss to the nation. We can no longer remain quiet,” she said.

“We need to speak out and make people aware that no effort must be spared to prevent suicide. That means identifying the causes and dealing with them to prevent it spreading.

“It has been identified that depression carries a high risk of suicide.  Medical experts say anyone who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very seriously.

“We need to call our local helpline or inform the Police. We also need to know the risk factors and recognise the warning signs. We could save someone if we take these signs seriously.

“Surveys have shown that over 90 per cent of people who die by suicide have clinical depression or another diagnosable mental disorder. Substance abuse like drugs and alcohol is also linked to suicide.”

She said people needed to talk about this serious issue.

“Warning signs that someone may be thinking about or planning to commit suicide include negative talk about life in general and a sense of dejavu and hopelessness.

“For children, it’s the environment at home and school that contributes to their emotional wellbeing. Unrealistic pressures at home to perform at school can push a child to the brink.

“Bullying at school could affect the attitude of the children. Unless addressed it could lead to negative thoughts.”

Where to get help: To seek information and counselling services contact the National Child Helpline toll free line “1325”.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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