SIBU: Most people who die of suicide suffer from a mental illness, emotional disorder and unbearable stress.
In pointing this out, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang said there is no single reason which prompts a person to commit suicide.
“Family members and friends can play a critical role in suicide prevention. Encourage the person to get help, they should talk to a doctor, counsellor, or psychologist, or call a helpline,” he said at the opening of a workshop on ‘Suicide Prevention’ here.
It was held in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day 2022 held at the premises of the Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday.
The workshop attended by about 120 participants was organised by the Sibu Mental Health Association (SMHA) in collaboration with the Psychiatric Unit of Sibu Hospital, and Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Jalan Merdeka, Jalan Oya and Jalan Berjaya.
Tiang’s speech in Mandarin was read out by councillor Ling Hua Wee.
He stated that social isolation is a major risk factor for suicide and that talking with family and friends about one’s suicide attempt can be one of the hardest steps.
“But the support of friends and family can make a real difference,” he advised.
He hoped that the participants who gained from the workshop would be able to impart and provide social support to vulnerable individuals and play a critical role in suicide prevention.
This workshop, he hoped, would serve as a catalyst for more non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to host awareness seminars and related activities on suicide prevention.
Among those present were Sibu Hospital’s Psychiatric Unit head, Dr Wong Siong Teck and Chairman of SMHA Kapitan So Teck Kee who is also the chairman of JKKK Jalan Merdeka, Jalan Oya and Jalan Berjaya.
