Suicide is preventable. The national referral hospital has been encouraging supporting affected families or close associates of those who die by suicide. Often referred to as postvention, experts say it is an important intervention as the affected family members and close associates are at risk of attempting suicide. According to the National Health Survey 2023, 2.3 per cent of over 11,200 surveyed individuals lost their close family members to suicide.
According to the World Health Organisation or WHO, outreach to family and friends after a suicide has helped in reducing immediate emotional distress such as depression, anxiety and despair.
A psychiatrist from the national referral hospital says postvention is usually encouraged after a suicide case is reported in a community or an institute. The support includes psychological and medical intervention if required.
Dr Puja Subedi, a psychiatrist said that “we call it contagion as well. If you can relate to the person who has died by suicide, you might think of it as an option as well. So, it is very important to even identify those people and provide relevant support, so that is postvention. So, we have been doing it in the country, and I think that is a very important aspect of preventing further suicide.”
According to the WHO, postvention should also include support for survivors who attempted suicide.
According to the National Health Survey, 1.6 per cent of over 11,200 people said they attempted suicide and 0.6 per cent seriously considered attempting suicide.
Meanwhile, the records with the police show that there were 14 cases of attempted suicide last year and 22 cases in 2022.
A total of 68 cases were reported in 2021 and 2020.
According to health officials, most of the suicide attempts remain underreported.
Dr Puja Subedi said “usually there is a process that happens, it starts with the mental distress. You are stressed about something and it might be related to mental illness, but also the environmental issues. Then, when you do not figure out how to deal with it, you do not have enough help, you start having this sense of helplessness and hopelessness, and from there on, people might think it’s better to die. And that’s the only option. Even with that thought, that’s just ideations. From there, even to reach to a suicidal attempt, there might be some plans.”
She added that suicide can be prevented during attempts or mental distress.
The WHO’s triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”.
This theme intends to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
This is what Thimphu Badgers Motorcycle Club has been doing for years, advocating on preventing suicide, mental health and gender-based violence.
12 riders of the club went around to create awareness about suicide prevention in Phuentshogling, Paro and Thimphu today.
Leewang Tobgay, President of Thimphu Badgers Motorcycle Club said “we feel like giving up in life. We feel like there is nobody to help us and then, there is nothing that we can do to change our life anyway. Then, there is so much depression and stress that leads to suicide. But as you look into research and studies, suicide is preventable. So, I would advise somebody who is going through such times to get help. Because where there is help, there is always hope.”
He added that the club has been providing awareness at the community level and distributing posters and pamphlets in a few of the remote areas.
Last year, 96 people died by suicide of which 71 were male and 25 were female.
According to WHO, mental disorders and harmful use of alcohol contribute to most of the suicide cases around the world although there can be multiple other reasons.
Moreover, experts say communities can play a vital role in suicide prevention by providing social support, fighting stigma, and engaging in follow-up care for vulnerable individuals among others.
Individuals undergoing distress are advised to contact health professionals or contact The PEMA at their toll-free number 1098 for protection services and 1010 for mental health services.
Singye Dema & Dechen Choden
Edited by Tshering Zam
