Dialogue can solve relationship problems: Rogers

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people in Fiji. According to Fiji Alliance for Mental Health, every 36 hours one person attempts suicide.

It is adamant this figure can be reduced.

Youth Champs for Mental Health advocacy programme manager Lionel Rogers said when one committed suicide it showed that the community had failed a person. Mr Rogers said talanoa sessions were important for resolving relationship problems.

“Some attempted suicide cases were reported recently with reasons linked to relationship problems. Again we are stressing the importance of dialogue,” he said.

“There are also institutions that can offer assistance or are willing to give counselling in times of difficult situations.

“As an organisation we are disappointed that now we realise that the statistics are high then we decided it’s a concern.”

He said suicide had been a concern for a long time.

“It is a priority area that the Government and every stakeholder need to make a priority,” Mr Rogers said. He said sharing problems are part of mental health care. Mr Rogers said punching walls or things to cool down stress was a form of attempted suicide.

Mr Rogers said there were a lot that was needed for organisations working with mental health issues.

“We need to encourage young people to access services readily available, we need to change the mindset of Fijians so that we can make a difference in the communities that we are working in,” he added,