SEPTEMBER 1 — In the past decade, suicide has gained prominence as a global problem of epidemic proportions.  Studies summarized in the World Suicide Report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2014 indicate that each year over 800,000 people lose their lives to suicide. To put this in perspective, this is more than the total deaths resulting from other violent acts such as homicide, war and terrorism combined. The report notes that this estimate is conservative due to the lack of reliable death recording procedures. This is likely to be linked with public stigma associated with suicide coupled with religious or legal sanctions against suicide in some countries, Malaysia included.

To emphasise the dire need to address this critical public health issue, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated Sept 10th as World Suicide Prevention Day. This annual event, which has run since 2003, is intended to generate publicity and serve as a reminder to governments and public health institutions worldwide on the tremendous social impact of suicide. This year’s theme is Connect – Communicate – Care. 

On the aspect of connecting, those who have lost a dear one to suicide or who have pulled back from the brink of suicide themselves could form a network that can function as a source of practical guidance to health care providers on how best to support those who are afflicted with suicidal ideation. The general public should be educated on recognizing the warning signs of suicide so that they can reach out and connect with those who are at high risk. Studies have repeatedly shown that social connectedness is an important protective factor against suicide, so being there for someone who is isolated and alone can be a life-saving act. 

On the aspect of communication, effective and open public discussion on the topic of suicide is also vital in order to dispel myths and the stigma associated with it. Equipping people to communicate effectively with those who are vulnerable to suicide is an important component of an effective suicide prevention strategy. The media also has an important role to play in suicide prevention through responsible coverage of suicides that does not sensationalize them in ways that may instigate copy cat suicides. Media recommendations to aid journalists to this effect have been developed by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the WHO.  

On the aspect of care, this is the key ingredient for the successful implementation of the previous aspects. Care is important at all levels: from the policy making level where suicide prevention needs to be prioritised,  down to health care providers who must identify and treat those who are at risk, and finally among the general public in providing adequate support for ourselves and those who are dear and close to us.  

One of the key observations of the World Suicide Report concerns the legal status of suicide and its effects on suicide prevention worldwide. Of the 192 independent countries and states investigated, 25 currently have specific laws and punishments for attempted suicide; Malaysia being one of these. The survey findings from this report indicate that to date, there are no data or case-reports to support the outdated hypothesis that decriminalization of suicide will increase its occurrence. In fact, most studies indicate that suicide rates tend to decline in countries after decriminalization. 

In Malaysia, Section 309 of the Penal Code criminalizes a suicide attempt with a sentence of up to one year in jail or a fine. This portion of the penal code is an antiquated legacy from our British colonial past, at a time when suicide was widely criminalized. It has since been decriminalised in the UK, US, Australia and many other countries in the West, following advancements in the fields of psychology and psychiatry that provide a deeper understanding of this complex and taboo topic.  

When suicide is considered a criminal act, suicide attempts are often hidden and suicide deaths are unreported, thus giving the false impression that suicidal behaviours are less prevalent. This in turn hinders efforts from government and charitable organizations to reach out and support individuals and communities at high risk of suicide. In light of this, we strongly urge the government and relevant legal bodies in this country to pay heed to WHO’s urgent call to all member countries to review their legal provisions in relation to suicide to ensure they do not become an impediment in ongoing efforts to mitigate this complex public health problem.

 Befrienders KL is part of the Befrienders Worldwide, an organisation that has its roots in the Samaritans UK and is now present in over 40 countries worldwide. Our vision is a world in which fewer people feel the need to end their own lives, and our mission towards this end is to alleviate distress and help reduce the risk of suicide through emotional support and public education. Emotional support is provided through 3 primary channels: a telephone helpline that is available 24 hours every day throughout the year (03-79568145), face to face through a prior appointment and email at sam@befrienders.org.my. We also do outreach to the community, particularly to groups at high risk of suicide, to provide on-site emotional support, talks, workshop sessions and seminars on counselling skills, suicide prevention, capacity building and mental health awareness.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Malay Mail Online.