Letter to Editor
THE call to break the stigma surrounding suicide is both timely and critical. Dr Hazli Zakaria highlighted in his article for The Star that anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can experience suicidal thoughts.
Suicidal thoughts can affect people regardless of their background or outward appearance. The idea that only certain individuals are at risk of suicide is not only misleading but also damaging, as it prevents people from recognising when they or someone they care about may need help.
MCA has advocated for enhanced public awareness on suicide, our most recent demonstrated by our call for support during World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept 10.
To reiterate, addressing suicide requires a multi-faceted approach, where both societal attitudes and structural systems work together to provide support to those in need.
The stigma and taboo surrounding suicide must be broken. It is not only about silence; it also includes microaggressions and careless remarks that perpetuate harmful attitudes.
For instance, when a suicide occurs, some individuals may respond with judgement or criticism, questioning the act and saying things like, “Why jump?”.
These comments trivialise the pain that someone may have been experiencing. “Why jump?” is a common phrase we hear, yet it is important to realise that such words, often spoken without thought, should be seen as an opportunity to intervene.
People who are struggling with these thoughts often hide them well and hearing dismissive or judgmental remarks can worsen their isolation.
Furthermore, aiding and abetting suicide also cannot be tolerated. Statements such as, “If you’re suffering so much, why don’t you just kill yourself?” may seem light-hearted, but they can have devastating consequences.
They carry a heavy weight and can potentially escalate a person’s distress. It is essential that we all become more mindful of the impact of our words.
The report by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, citing over 4,000 suicide cases between 2019 and 2023, is deeply concerning.
These figures highlight the urgency of the situation and reinforce the need for a collective effort to address suicide in Malaysia.
Suicide affects families, friends, and communities, and it is our collective responsibility to change the way we view and respond to mental health challenges.
We must stop seeing suicide as something that happens to “other people” and instead recognise it as a pressing issue that affects us all.
In addition to mental health hotlines and services for those contemplating suicide, there are various resources available to provide support. The following support services are available to those in need:
- Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392)
- Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp)
- Jakim’s Family, Social, and Community Care Centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp)
- Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, visit befrienders.org.my for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email [email protected])
- LAWA MCA also provides support at 03-2716 5943 or 012-386 3884, or email [email protected]/.
By breaking the taboo surrounding suicide, we are working together to create a society where mental health is treated with the same care and importance as physical health. – Nov 25, 2024
Chan Quin Er is the MCA information chief.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Getty Images
