| James Kon |
FOLLOWING growing concerns over the increase in suicides or and attempted suicides in the country, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is developing a national helpline to help those thinking of suicide or those in need of advice to help a person with suicidal thoughts.
The ministry will provide an update to the public once this national helpline is available, Director General of Medical and Health Services Pengiran Dr Haji Md Khalifah bin Pengiran Haji Ismail said during a press conference at the Ministry of Health yesterday.
He also revealed that the ministry is currently seeking assistance from overseas experts on the best practices of effectively setting up the helpline and hoped that the helpline will be up and running this year.
The director general also urged members of the public to be cautious about unauthorised individuals or entities that claim to provide professional mental health or suicide support through any websites, unverified telephone numbers or mobile applications in the country.
The Ministry of Health is aware and concerned that there have been recent reports of suicides or attempted suicides in our community and wishes to provide advice and reassurance to the public, he said.
“Suicide is a major public health issue with wide-ranging consequences encompassing social, emotional and economic outcomes. One in five people are likely to experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. The factors that lead an individual to suicide are usually multiple and complex; these include mental disorders such as depression, addiction problems such as drug abuse and socio-economic problems such as debt, financial and relationship difficulties,” he said.
“Effective suicide prevention requires participation from multiple government and non- government sectors as well as the community as a whole. Public awareness and understanding about suicide play significant roles in suicide prevention, and may encourage those at risk of suicide to seek help. It is strongly advised for individuals to seek immediate help if they are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Speak to a friend or family member that you trust and seek professional help from a doctor or a psychologist,” Pengiran Dr Haji Md Khalifah added.
He said the Ministry of Health offers walk-in psychology clinics that provide counselling and ‘Talk Therapy’ during office hours.
In emergency cases where one is seriously at risk of suicide, and if it is out of office hours, individuals are advised to attend the Accident & Emergency Department of the nearest hospital to be assessed and treated. On-call mental health doctors are available 24 hours a day to assess patients when needed.
In non-emergency cases, members of the public can also seek assistance from health professionals at any of the health centres.
Doctors will be able to make an assessment and provide patients with suitable treatment. Additionally, the patient may also be referred to a mental health specialist or a psychiatrist.
“The Ministry of Health would also like to emphasise the importance of providing support to individuals who are at risk of suicide and to treating him or her with respect. Offering help to a family member, friend or colleague, such as listening to their concerns, asking the person what you can do to help or offering to accompany them to see a doctor or a psychologist can make a lot of difference. This may also include calling up an ambulance or the police for assistance if the person is at serious risk of suicide.”
Superintendent of Police Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Ghani, Acting Officer Commanding Police District (OCPD) of Brunei-Muara said 46 suicide cases were recorded in the country from 2014 to August 2018 – six cases in 2014, eight cases in 2015, eight cases in 2016, 13 cases in 2017 and 11 cases from January to August this year. The 2017 figures showed an increase of 62.5 per cent compared to previous years.
Of the 46 suicide cases, 31 victims are foreigners – nine Philippine nationals, eight Bangladesh nationals, seven Indian nationals, two Thai nationals, four Indonesia nationals and one Chinese national.
He also disclosed that there were 43 cases of attempted suicide from 2014 to August 2018 comprising five cases in 2014, 11 cases in 2015, 11 cases in 2016, nine cases in 2017 and seven cases from January to August 2018.
“The numbers are worrying despite the fact that the rate of suicide and attempted suicide is still low in Brunei compared to other countries,” Superintendent Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam said.
According to him, investigations have revealed that the victims committed suicide due to stress in life like debts, household problems, unstable mental condition and anxiety. There are also some cases where the reasons are unknown.
“The Royal Brunei Police Force would like to urge family members and friends to always care for their loved ones and be aware of any sudden change in their behaviour. They should immediately seek assistance to solve the problem through counselling services or appropriate treatment,” he said.