THE increasing number of suicidal teenagers in Sarawak is worrying. Among youth between the ages of 13 and 17, the number with suicidal ideation rose from 7.5 percent in 2012 to 10.9 percent in 2017; suicidal planning increased from 6 percent to 7.9 percent while suicidal attempts rose from 7.2 percent to 8.8 percent. (Re: National Health and Morbidity Study 2017)
Quoting from this study, Welfare, Community Well-Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said there was an increase in the prevalence of loneliness from 7.3 percent in 2012 to 10.1 percent in 2017; and inability to sleep due to worry increased from 5.2 percent to 7.7 percent among secondary school students.
She added that the statistics from the police (PDRM) showed a total of 193 suicide cases – 159 men and 34 women – in Sarawak from 2016 to September this year.
In 2016, there were 46 cases; 2017 (46 cases); 2018 (46 cases); and as of September this year (55 cases). Miri and Sibu had the most cases with 73 and 25 cases respectively.
To address this, Fatimah said last March, the ministry organised a workshop to develop a mental health management framework for Sarawak which includes terms of reference (TOR); guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs); advocacy and social intervention programmes.
“Together with our strategic partners such as Sentosa Hospital, Mental Health Association and Befrienders Kuching, to date we have conducted two Bestari Discourse sessions to raise awareness of and advocacy on mental issues in Sarawak. Mental health awareness, advocacy and screening are also included in our Social Development Fund in rural areas,” she said.
