“Creating Hope Through Action” is the theme chosen by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for World Suicide Prevention Day 2022. This day is important because each death by suicide is potentially preventable. By raising awareness at all levels, we can be in a position to recognise and offer help to persons in such situations, thereby potentially reducing instances of suicide.
An analysis of local statistics on suicide carried out by the Office of the Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Mental disorders indicates, that in Malta there were an average of 2 deaths by suicide per month for the last 11 years. The age of these victims ranges from below 16years up to over 95yrs of age, The 40 – 50 year bracket being most prevalent. Twenty-two percent (22%) were foreigners and 83% were males. Over these last seven years, each person who committed suicide lost an average of 20 years of productive life (below age of 65 years).
Every person may pass through a vulnerable period in which suicide may be contemplated as a way to get rid of unbearable and cumulative pain. Suicide Prevention is everybody’s business. Suicide is not just a mental health challenge, but it deserves the attention of numerous stakeholders. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach including nongovernmental and civil society groups. The Media, in whatever format or platform, can have positive, as well as negative effects. The way such a subject is discussed and reported in the media, has a considerable bearing on the way society views this issue, and may play a part in bringing about a change in mistaken, prejudiced or stigmatised ideas about suicide.
Accepting suicide as a reality can help prevent a death. People need to talk about suicide to help the community better identify the risk factors and learn how to address them. Individuals need to be encouraged to talk about their mental wellbeing including suicide ideation and to seek appropriate intervention and help. A caring society should not allow individuals to feel alone and suffer in silence.
Relatives, friends, work colleagues, teachers and others who have some form of relationship with a person who they notice is passing through a difficult time but especially if they suspect that there is suicidal ideation should not be afraid to bring up the subject. This may indeed be an important first step towards helping individuals opening up about their feelings and may serve as an opportunity to encourage them to seek necessary assistance.
Suicide Prevention is possible, and suicide can be avoided. That is why efforts on suicide should focus on early identification of risk and prevention. There are several toolkits and documents available not only to professionals but also for the community as a whole so that citizens are empowered and prepared to detect and address suicide behaviour.
Persons who are in crisis can approach the Accident and Emergency department at Mater Dei Hospital or Primary Health Department and seek help from Mental Health Service professionals.
People passing through difficult moments and contemplating Suicide, as well as survivors of these tragic events, can seek help from available services: Suicide Prevention, Outreach and Therapeutic (SPOT) services by appointment on 2122 8333 (Victim Support Malta), Supportline 179 (FSWS) and 1770 (Richmond Foundation). Anonymous chats such as kellimni.com, Olli chat or Krizi are also an option. One can contact the family doctor or health centre or by speaking to a person of trust. Public officers can seek the help of the Employee Support Programme (ESP).