Suicide is one of the top 3 leading causes of death amongst those aged 15 - 44 globally.
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Annually, more than 800,000 people commit suicide across the globe.
September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), a day dedicated to raising suicide awareness globally, and that suicide is a tragedy that can be prevented.
The reoccuring theme for WSPD this year is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide.”
Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay.#Suicide is a global public health issue.
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) September 10, 2020
All ages, sexes, and regions of the 🌎🌍🌏 are affected.
Lives are lost, while suicides are preventable.
👉 https://t.co/M0K8sRMUSH pic.twitter.com/G6wjbhgWMl
The theme this year could not be more relevant as the COVID-19 pandemic has called for self-isolation, separating loved ones, and caused economic instability and uncertainty globally, all factors which may negatively impact one’s mental health.
The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) revealed that in the span of six months from January to June 2020, a total of 465 suicide attempts have been reported to have received treatment in MOH hospitals.
For every loss of life due to suicide, there are 25 individuals who suffer from suicidal behaviour.
Suicide is a topic which in the past was regarded as taboo, and it still holds true in 2020, but the MOH is currently working to end the stigma against suicide and mental health issues.
It took to Twitter to highlight steps that we can take to support suicide prevention, as members of our community.
10 September setiap tahun diisytiharkan Hari Pencegahan Bunuh Diri Sedunia.
— KKMalaysia🇲🇾 (@KKMPutrajaya) September 9, 2020
Bunuh diri boleh dicegah dan sebagai ahli masyarakat, kita boleh mengambil tindakan:
1. Mengambil serius tentang masalah mereka
2. Mengambil masa untuk mendengar keluhan mereka; dan pic.twitter.com/XfNbrrpNav
The government is also putting in effort towards the decriminalization of suicide in Malaysia.
Kerajaan sedang mengkaji undang-undang berkaitan persubahatan dan cubaan bunuh diri.
— KKMalaysia🇲🇾 (@KKMPutrajaya) September 10, 2020
Usaha ke arah dekriminalisasi cubaan bunuh diri ini diharap dpt membantu mereka yang kemurungan untuk mendapatkan rawatan pemulihan tanpa stigma.#WorldSuicidePreventionDay pic.twitter.com/Mm48HxyDQp
Malaysians recognise the need for mental health to be prioritised and appreciate the recent steps the government has taken to highlight the issue.
I love how KKM is focusing more on Mental Health now. It's important that we de-stigmatized mental illness to ensure everyone can get treatment without shame from society
— 𝔸 𝕄 𝕐 (@AmyAjak) September 10, 2020
Tahniah KKM Malaysia! This is a big step!
— Arthur John (@DeluluJohn) September 10, 2020
If you need help or you know anyone who needs help, this is a very helpful Twitter thread on ways to seek mental health treatment and support.
CARA-CARA MENDAPATKAN BANTUAN UNTUK KESIHATAN MENTAL ANDA (bermula dengan kaedah paling berpatutan):
— 🇲🇾 #MentalHealthMatters | MINDAKAMI (@mindakami) December 21, 2017
Remember, you are loved and you are cared for. Take a moment today to express some love to those closest to your heart.
by Catalina Hubbard
