Lifeline Releases Report On Attempted Suicide

‘There is an average of 124 suicide deaths per year in Fiji, confirmed...’

Every 36 hours a Fijian tries to take his or her life, as per a report from Lifeline Fiji.

Lifeline Fiji has received more than 200 calls in the first quarter of 2018. These calls are not specifically directed to suicide, but callers who are at their crisis point in life.

“When we enquire the callers, they say that they have suicidal ideations, or they are planning or on the verge of committing suicide,” said Timaima Rokotagane, councillor for Lifeline Fiji.

“There is an average of 124 suicide deaths per year in Fiji, confirmed by Lifeline Fiji. In addition, there were 630 completed suicides in the last five years.

“In total, 1199 suicide and attempted suicide cases were reported over the last five years, which is four times the total of the Road Death Toll.”

Signs and symptoms

Ms Rokotagane said that it was important to note signs and symptoms of unrest for victims who were contemplating suicide.

“A suicidal person will first come to a stage of emotional pain whether it’s physical, mental or emotional. Once they have exhausted these means of resilience, death is something that they may look for, “she said. “There is a stigma associated with the word suicide.” She said sometimes Lifeline Fiji follows up on their callers every half an hour to check their status. Sometimes they receive callers from amputees, who are left alone at home by their family members, neglected and resorting to suicide.

“I have had a 19-year-old girl, who thought there was no other way.

She literally wanted to run out of the door and jump in front of a car. The whole staff had to work together to contain her,” Ms Rokotagane recalled as her most difficult case. If a person has gone through a similar situation he or she will be in better shoes to give counselling to someone who goes through such circumstances.

She said it was important to calm down the caller first. Then their location is asked for, and relevant authorities are contacted.

Lifeline Fiji gets an average of three calls a day. The crisis support line is 132454 and it is free of charge for all callers. Feedback: sheenam.chandra@fijisun.com.fj

In total, 1199 suicide and attempted suicide cases were reported over the last five years... Timaima Rokotagane Councillor for Lifeline Fiji