People who speak, even in passing, about committing suicide should not be ignored and should be given all possible help, psychiatrist Joe Cassar said.

Interviewed by The Malta Independent online editor Stephen Calleja for INDEPTH, Dr Cassar said people commit suicide because their coping skills fail.

People who have tried to commit suicide but failed say they just could not take it any longer, he said.

The programme deals with suicide issues, but also includes subjects such as assisted suicide, euthanasia and the living will.

In the interview, Dr Cassar also speaks about his departure from politics 18 months ago.

INDEPTH will be uploaded tomorrow on www.independent.com.mt