Suicide a cry for help

We wish to express our deep concern over the decision by the authorities to press criminal charges against a 32-year-old man in Klang for attempted suicide (The Star, March 6) as this man was already undergoing treatment for mental illness.

In December 2008, a 16-year-old girl was charged in the Kuala Terengganu court for threatening to commit suicide.

The inability to cope with crises and unbearable emotional pain could have driven these unfortunate people towards suicide. Suicidal persons are often overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness, hopelessness, isolation and despair. A suicide attempt should be seen as a cry for help.

Those attempting suicide are usually not determined on ending their lives. They are confronted by ambivalent feelings of wanting to end it all, but at the same time wanting to find a way to carry on with life.

Many who attempt suicide are unaware of sources where they could seek emotional support. The availability of emotional support at a time of crisis could be crucial and could make the difference between life or death.

While the laws of the land must be respected, we appeal to the authorities to treat attempted suicide cases with compassion and mercy. They need compassion and counselling, not prosecution and punishment.

The authorities should enforce the law only as a last resort, and that should be to obtain a court order to ensure that someone who attempts suicide seeks medical treatment; or if the person’s actions could endanger himself or others.

Our professional mental health consultants note that a significant percentage of people who attempt suicide are affected by mental disorders and they need medication as well as counselling.

Suicide still remains a taboo subject in the community. NGOs need to work in partnership with the authorities towards reducing suicides. The public also needs to be educated on how to recognise suicidal feelings and offer emotional support to persons facing a crisis.

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, irrespective of age, status or ethnic origin. People at high risk to suicides need to be made aware of the places they could go to to seek help.

The Health Ministry has reported that every day, seven persons, mainly youths and young adults, end their lives by suicide in Malaysia. An estimated 140 persons attempt suicide daily. Currently, there are Befrienders centres in Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Malacca, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu.

Befrienders are willing to assist those who wish to initiate counselling centres which should be manned by committed, well-trained volunteers with the guidance of mental health professionals and with the support of relevant authorities.

The Befrienders can be contacted by phone or e-mail at: e-mail: sam@befrienders.org.my (for e-mail counselling), website: www.befrienders.org.my

Kuala Lumpur: 03-79568145 (crisis hotline - 24 hours),

Penang: 04-2811108 (3.30pm - 10.30pm)

Ipoh: 05-5477933 (4pm - midnight)

Seremban: 06-7653588 (7pm - midnight)

Malacca: 06-2842500 (7pm - midnight)

Johor Baru: 07-3312300 (7pm - midnight)

Kota Kinabalu: 088-255788(7pm - 10pm)

S. GANGADARA VADIVEL,
President,
National Council of Befrienders Malaysia.