SIBU: Statistics from the United Nations state that nearly 800,000 people in the world commit suicide every year.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Environment and Local Government Michael Tiang who pointed this out said it translates to about one person every 40 seconds.
“These numbers are not just statistics, they represent the lives lost, families shattered, and communities scarred,” he said when officiating at the opening of an event themed, ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ held in conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) here Saturday (Sept 9).
It was jointly organised by the Community Mental Health Centre (Mentari) Jalan Oya, Sibu Mental Health Association (SMHA) and Sibu District Edcuation Office.
Tiang was represented by Penghulu Ting Tien Huat who delivered his speech at the event.
“Suicide is preventable. We have the power to change these statistics and save lives,” he said.
“As a society, we must recognise that mental health is as important as physical health. We need to break down the barriers that discourage people from seeking help.”
Tiang in this context said although everyone is so connected in today’s world, there is often a lack of genuine communication.
“We are so engrossed with our own lives or our virtual lives, especially young people, that we forget to engage meaningfully with those around us.
“And it’s precisely during these times of isolation that depression can silently creep in,” he stated.
Depression, often referred to as the silent killer, has no one-size-fits-all symptoms, and it is a mental battle that can remain hidden beneath a facade of normalcy, he warned.
And when depression goes unnoticed, tragedies can happen, he said.
He said schools, for instance, can provide an environment that is motivating and encouraging instead of pressure and stress towards their students.
Young people spend a lot of time at school so there is a need to have a school system that is supportive, he said.
A society, he said, must foster an environment where individuals feel safe to share their struggles without fear of judgement.
“Let us commit to being more compassionate, more attentive, and more supportive, not just today but every day.
“WSPD is a wonderful event to address a grave concern that our fast-moving world often overlooks,” Tiang added.
Also present were director of Sibu Hospital Dr Nanthakumar, Sibu Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry Head Dr Wong Siong Teck, medical officer in-charge of Mentari Jalan Oya Dr John Chieng Kwang Chong and the event’s organising chairperon Dr Wong Jiing.
