KUCHING: Member of Parliament for Bandar Kuching, Dr Kevin Yii launched ‘Befrienders Kuching’, an initiative to address the growing number of mental health issues as well as suicide tendencies not just faced by adults but also children in schools.
The launching ceremony was held at a private international school here which was aimed at raising awareness of suicide prevention among the students through interactive activities in different stations to get the students not just to be aware of the issue, but also play their part to be a ‘friend’ to those that needs the support or shows signs of distress and suicidal tendencies.
Dr Yii encouraged the students by telling them inspirational stories of different people who overcame tough times and suicide attempts to be successful people that are helping and impacting millions of others today.
“It is also important for those who are going through tough times to remember that it is not a weakness to ask for help and that the greatest superhero we can be, is a friend in need to our friends and families that need us,” he said, adding that suicide prevention remains a universal challenge.
“Every year, suicide is the 15th leading cause of death globally for all ages. It is responsible for over 800,000 deaths, which equates to one suicide every 40 seconds. It is the leading cause of death in people aged between 15 and 24 in many European countries. In 2012, 39 per cent of global suicide occurred in the South East Asia region which Malaysia is part of.
“Suicide is the result of a convergence of genetic, psychological, social, cultural and other risk factors, sometimes combined with experiences of trauma and loss. Thus, it is important that we all play a part in suicide prevention by raising awareness about the issue, educate ourselves and others about the causes of suicide and warning signs for suicide, show compassion and care for those who are in distress in our community.
“Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in people who die by suicide. Mental health is a serious issue and is not just limited to ‘European countries’ but also is increasing drastically in Malaysia even among the young.
“In Malaysia, based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015, every 3 in 10 adults aged 16 years and above have some sort of mental problems.
“Even during the last parliamentary session, I debated on the need to address the issue of mental health and the need for more trained personnel to deal with this growing issue.
“I also want to encourage members of the public to spread the news and especially for those trained in psychotherapy and counselling to volunteer with them and together we can help those in needs, including our children in schools. Life is precious,” Dr Yii pointed out.
‘Befrienders’ is a Hotline initiative where members of the public who are suicidal or in general distress can call and volunteers and counsellors including doctors can provide emotional support to and counselling for those in need.
It currently operates from Monday to Sunday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and will look to expand its services when it has more manpower.
Its Hotline is 082-242800.
