Extend a helping hand to suicidal persons

SUICIDE is a frightening reality that has become a scary trend in our society. A media report says that there is an average of two suicides a day in our country.

A medical newsletter reports that suicide will be the country’s second biggest cause of death after heart disease in five to 10 years.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over a million people commit suicide every year and five per cent of the people in the world have tried to kill themselves at least once during their lifetime.

In Malaysia, most suicide cases happen among people between the ages of 15-30 and 50-75.

The younger generation who is unable to cope with the mounting pressures of school examinations or work stress, family issues or broken relationships, may take their own lives. The elderly face problems of loneliness, depression and ageing.

Suicides are a manifestation of the condition and state of the mental health of a person. A suicidal person loses hope and gives up on life and chooses in his mind to terminate his existence.

People with suicidal tendencies usually tell their close friends and colleagues of their intentions. Most of the time, these revelations are not taken seriously by the listeners.

Counsellors and tutors have to be more alert and be a ‘busybody’ to identify and look out for students with psychological and emotional problems. Every reported case of suicidal tendencies should be investigated promptly and discreetly.

There is a rise in the number of school and college students who are taking their lives due to examination pressure.

Parental and societal pressure to excel in examinations has driven many young children to suicide. Young adults should be given stress coping mechanisms and strategies in their school and workplace.

Many young people have also ended their lives because of failed relationships. Young people should be told that if they have the courage to fall in love than they must have the courage to fall out of love and carry on with their lives, not end them, when the love turns sour. Religious authorities should conduct seminars and talks on the value of live and the significance of celebrating life and counting their blessings. Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new and blissful ending.

SAMUEL YESUIAH Seremban