One of the most significant achievements of the Unity Government was the abolishment of Section 309 earlier this year (2023).
This part of the law stated that those who attempt to commit suicide shall be punished with a jail term of up to one year or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
The move represents a fundamental shift in mindset, whereby there is recognition of suicide as the manifestation of severe mental health disorders that require medical and psychological treatment, and not an act that can be prevented by using punitive measures.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 700,000 people take their lives around the world annually.
For every suicide, there are likely to be another 20 persons making a suicide attempt and many more who are seriously thinking of it.
The situation has likely been worsened by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic – both fear of Covid-19 itself and its socioeconomic impact have led to an increase in stress, depression and anxiety.
Malaysia recorded an increase of 81%, or 1,142, suicide cases in 2021, compared to 631 cases in 2020.
A complex issue
Suicide is a very complex issue, and a thorough discussion on the topic falls well outside the scope of a single column.
However, it is important to raise awareness and reduce stigma on the issue.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on Sept 10, has the theme of “Creating hope through action”.
This is a reminder to those experiencing suicidal thoughts that there are people who care and want to support them.
It is also a reminder to the rest of us that every action counts – from a simple “How are you?” to appropriate government legislation.
ALSO READ: The importance of asking ‘How are you?’
Some individuals may be more prone to suicidal thoughts.
These include those with underlying mental health conditions (e.g. bipolar disease and depression), those suffering from bereavement, individuals with relationship and family problems, as well as those affected by socioeconomic factors (e.g. financial worries and isolation), stress from work or school, and loneliness (particularly amongst the elderly).
Not ready for social media
Malaysia’s 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that the prevalence of suicidal thought is 13.1% among teenagers aged 13 to 17 years, with a rate of attempted suicides at 9.5%.
The figures are worse for girls: 18.5% of teenage girls reported experiencing suicidal thoughts (versus 7.6% in boys), with 13.4% of teenage girls having attempted suicide (double the amount of boys at 5.7%).
The situation has been exacerbated by social media, especially as our youth are constantly bombarded with unfiltered content.
This May (2023), the US Surgeon General issued a report that stated: “Nearly every teenager in America uses social media, and yet, we do not have enough evidence to conclude that it is sufficiently safe for them.”
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence showed that the impact of social media use was more profound in girls.
The study tracked the social media use of 500 teens and discovered that girls who used social media for two to three hours per day at the beginning of the study (when they were 13 years old) had a higher risk for suicide as young adults.
Lead author Professor Dr Sarah Coyne from Brigham Young University in the United States, was quoted as saying: “At 13, girls are just starting to be ready to handle the darker underbelly of social media, such as FOMO (fear of missing out), constant comparisons and cyberbullying.
“A 13-year-old is probably not developmentally ready for three hours of social media a day.”
Warning signs
As most suicides are preventable, it is important to be able to identify signs indicative of a person’s intention to commit suicide.
These include:
- Losing interest or pleasure in activities they usually enjoy.
- Worsening depression.
- Having a sense of hopelessness and/or helplessness.
- Withdrawing from social contact.
- Demonstrating dangerous or harmful behaviour.
- Changes in personality and appearances.
- Changes in sleep pattern.
- Experiencing a recent life crisis (e.g. job loss, relationship breakdown, being diagnosed with a major illness, excessive debt, etc).
- Expressing harmful thoughts or talking about wanting to die.
The above has to be taken into context, as not everyone who intends to commit suicide will talk about it or show these classical signs.
On the flip side, not everyone who talks about committing suicide will go through with such plans.
However, it is always better to err on the side of caution, and when in doubt, to directly ask the person if he/she is contemplating suicide.
Many a suicide attempt has been prevented by merely asking about it, as it opens up a channel for individuals to communicate their ideas, feelings and concerns.
Care and compassion
Suicide is a public health issue that can be prevented via interventions at individual, community and government levels.
The “Madani Economy” concept that prioritises care and compassion alongside economic growth is a welcome effort, as it seeks to not only improve GDP per capita, but also cater for socioeconomic stressors by providing adequate social safety nets.
These directly and indirectly help protect mental health.
However, support and funding for mental health treatment tends to lag behind that of physical health issues.
With increased awareness and more vocal advocates, policies can be adjusted to not only optimise treatment options, but also improve accessibility, such as pushing insurance companies to provide adequate mental health coverage.
We should also normalise seeking help or guidance from a counsellor/therapist, be it in-person or online (and making this service more affordable and accessible).
Seeking help early from a therapist when facing difficult or painful life issues may prevent, or at least reduce, the chances of someone contemplating suicide or carrying it out.
As always, early preventive measures are better than cure.
Ultimately, we all have an important role to play in supporting each other, especially the most vulnerable amongst us.
More can be done within our communities as well by promoting better interpersonal relationships, training for greater resilience, reducing risks (such as limiting social media time), having open communications, as well as creating and nurturing protective environments.
Dr Helmy Haja Mydin is a consultant lung specialist, CEO of the Social & Economic Research Initiative and a Special Advisor to the Health Minister. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
