Suicide remains one of the most devastating crises in modern society. The impact is felt far beyond the individual, spreading to families, communities, and society as a whole. Each life lost to suicide is a tragic reminder of the deep emotional pain that can go unnoticed, as well as a glaring failure of societal systems to provide the support necessary to prevent such a loss.

Last week, the government launched the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, which is designed to address these challenges for the next five years.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year, and for every life lost, countless others attempt or contemplate suicide. This statistic underscores the importance of mental health as a critical public health issue. Behind the numbers, there are individual stories of suffering, stories of people overwhelmed by despair, often in silence, with little support available to help them navigate their pain.

The loss of life to suicide is a profound societal failure. It signifies not only the loss of a person but the failure of the community to intervene, offer help, and create an environment where individuals feel supported, valued, and heard.

Suicide is preventable, and society has the tools and knowledge to address the crisis. The key is recognising the importance of mental health and dedicating resources to prevent these tragedies.

In a bid to face the challenge, the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing has launched a National Suicide Prevention Strategy. This five-year initiative aims to address the underlying factors contributing to suicide and create a more supportive, understanding environment for those at risk.

The strategy is built on six main strategic areas: promoting coordination and organisation among stakeholders; improving support and treatment; restricting access to means of suicide; creating better awareness and knowledge on the subject matter; prevention and activities promoting mental health; and quality assurance and expertise.

A key focus of the strategy is the support and investment in the workforce delivering mental health services. Healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, and others on the front lines are vital to its success. Ensuring that these workers are well-trained, well-supported, and equipped with the tools they need is essential.

In addition, the strategy aims to continue collaboration with stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and international organisations, to ensure a well-rounded approach to prevention. The government recognises that combating suicide is not a task that can be left to mental health professionals alone. It requires the collective effort of the entire society.

One of the most powerful tools in suicide prevention is connection within a society where individuals feel supported, understood, and not alone. The strategy, with its focus on public education, community engagement, and improved access to mental health care, creates a framework for fostering these connections.

Mental health struggles often thrive in silence and isolation, but when individuals know that support is available and that reaching out is not a sign of weakness, they are more likely to seek help before reaching a crisis point.

It is crucial that society comes together to prevent suicide. Every person deserves the chance to live a fulfilling life, free from the grip of despair. When we invest in mental health, promote awareness, and offer the necessary support, we save lives. Each life saved is not just a victory for the individual, but a victory for society as a whole, a testament to the strength of collective care and compassion.