Suicide Society’s most desperate and vulnerable receive a timely lifeline

Sweeping changes to the UAE’s personal status law have placed suicide and help from support groups back in the spotlight.

Although those who tried to take their lives were rarely prosecuted, previous laws exposed them to potential prosecution.

The legal grey area left some of the most desperate and vulnerable in the community confused about whether they could ask for help and how.

Clarity was offered under the legal changes that officially decriminalised suicide and attempted suicide, which has been the case in practice for some time.

British resident Gail Thompson, whose long-term partner took his life in Dubai last year, said the ruling would encourage those who have lost all hope to ask for help.

“The feeling of helplessness is overwhelming when you don’t know where to turn because you are afraid of the repercussions,” she said.

“At the time, misinformation or a lack of it made it very difficult for us. With this new legislation, people can reach out for the support they so desperately need without the fear of breaking the law being added to their load.

“There are so many people trying to help family and friends who do not have the support they need. Hopefully, that will now change. When someone close takes their life, they take a part of your life too.”

While police and courts now ensure vulnerable people receive mental-health support, anyone who assists a person in their suicide attempt will face an unspecified jail sentence.

Suicide prevention is one of the foundations of the global Movember movement, an initiative to encourage discussion about men’s health throughout the month of November.

In Australia, where the charitable foundation began 17 years ago, men are three times more likely to take their lives than women.

It is a common trend, with men neglecting psychological issues in greater numbers than women, said Tanya Dharamshi, clinical director and counselling psychologist at the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Dubai.

“We are seeing an increase in male patients at the centre, mainly with issues relating to Covid-19. Men often bear the primary financial responsibility in Dubai,” she said.

“During times of global economic uncertainty, they can feel highly stressed about their ability to provide for their families, maintain their homes, children’s education and job stability.

“Compared to women, it is far less likely for men to be open and communicate with their friends and social support group about their struggles.”

Stigma around suicide is common across the world, particularly in Indian and Pakistani communities – two of the largest expatriate groups in the UAE. About 3.4 million Indians live in the Emirates, or about 27 per cent of the population.

“Attitudes towards suicide vary among different communities. Some may see it as a sign of weakness, or that there are other factors at play that cause someone to take extreme steps such as suicide,” said Ayesha Kapur, a psychotherapist at the Staff Health Unit within the Doctors Without Borders charity in India.

“This period of self-isolation has not created new issues for people. Rather, people are now confronting existing issues that they had been avoiding.”