THE world is marking World Suicide Prevention Day today with the theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. It comes with a simple but powerful call to action: “Start the Conversation.” These three words matter.
Suicide prevention is often discussed in terms of what happens when someone reaches a crisis point. By then, however, it may already be very difficult for family and friends to know what to do.
Prevention has to begin much earlier – in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. And very often, it begins with an ordinary conversation.
Malaysia is facing a growing youth mental health crisis. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 reported that about one million, or 4.6%, people aged 16 and above in Malaysia suffer from depression; 13% have contemplated suicide; and 9.5% have attempted suicide.
For Better Dads Malaysia, this is particularly worrying and we believe it is important to remind all fathers that they have a role that goes far beyond providing for their families.
A father can be the person his child turns to when life becomes overwhelming. But that only happens when the child believes he can speak without being judged, dismissed or told to simply “be strong”.
Many of us grew up with the cultural conditioning that “boys don’t cry” and men were expected to keep their problems to themselves.
We need to change this. Strength is not pretending that everything is fine. Sometimes strength is being able to say, “I’m struggling.” And sometimes the strongest thing a father can do is put aside the instinct to give advice and simply listen.
This is one of the reasons Better Dads Malaysia developed YoutHOPE, a national youth mental health and digital resilience initiative. The programme takes a preventive, education-first approach because we believe young people should not have to wait until they are in a serious crisis before they learn how to recognise emotional distress, cope with difficulties and know where to seek help.
YoutHOPE brings together three important areas: digital well-being, school and community outreach, and family and fatherhood-centred support.
Young people today are growing up in a world that is very different from the one their parents knew. Much of their social life takes place online. They face pressure from school, relationships, social media and online cultures that parents may not fully understand.
At the same time, many parents are unsure how to recognise the difference between normal teenage behaviour and signs that their child may genuinely be struggling.
We cannot expect young people to navigate all of this alone. Parents need to be part of the conversation. Teachers need to know what to look out for. Communities need to know where to turn for help.
And our health and social support systems must be accessible when professional intervention is needed.
Most importantly, we need to move away from the idea that talking about suicide is somehow shameful or that mental health problems are a sign of weakness.
Suicide prevention also requires action beyond the family. Governments, schools, healthcare providers, employers, NGOs and community organisations all have a role. Mental health and suicide prevention must remain public policy priorities, supported by evidence-based strategies, accessible services and clear pathways to professional help.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, let us change the narrative – not just by talking about suicide differently but also by becoming people who are willing to start the conversations that might prevent a crisis from becoming a tragedy.
JASON LEONG
Co-founder and advisor
Better Dads Malaysia
For free and confidential emotional support, contact Befrienders KL at 03-76272929 (24 hours) or Talian HEAL (Health Ministry initiative) at 15555 (8am till midnight).
