Fiji’s silent epidemic: 489 suicides in five years

Fiji has recorded 489 suicides and 446 attempted suicides in the past five years, figures Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says highlight the country’s urgent mental health crisis.

Speaking at the 21st Anniversary celebration of the Psychiatric Survivors Association (PSA) Fiji on Friday, Ms Kiran said the numbers reflected calls for help that society had failed to answer.

“Sadly, in the past five years, 489 people have taken their own lives and 446 have attempted unsuccessfully. There may also be unreported cases. These were calls for help, and we as a society had failed them. Many young people are turning to substance abuse as they struggle with psychosocial challenges,” she said.

The minister urged parents and families to play a stronger role in recognising early signs of distress in children and young people.

“I ask parents and family members to observe their children, look into their eyes, and you will know if your children are going through personal challenges. Instead of judging - timely intervention and support could go a long way,” she said.

The celebration, held under the theme “21 Years of Advocacy, Empowerment, and Change: Dignity and Rights for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities in Fiji,” also featured the launch of two PSA publications: Expecting Mothers with Psychosocial Disabilities and Children Living in Psychosocially Affected Families.

Ms Kiran praised the Psychiatric Survivors Association as “a beacon of hope, courage, and leadership,” acknowledging its two decades of work in advocacy, human rights, and reducing stigma for people with psychosocial disabilities.

She further commended PSA’s new efforts to address HIV/AIDS and drug use, stressing the urgency of the challenge.

“This is not just timely—it is urgent. In 2024 alone, Fiji recorded 1,583 new HIV cases, the highest ever in our history,” Ms Kiran said.

The minister reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to working alongside PSA and other community partners to ensure dignity, rights, and inclusive support for persons with psychosocial disabilities.