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    17 June 2012| last updated at 07:56AM

    COPING WITH LIFE: Treat suicidal tendencies seriously

    By Samuel Yesuiah, Seremban, Negri Sembilan

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    SUICIDE in Malaysia has taken on a very alarming and scary trend. Statistics show an average of two suicides a month.

    In Malaysia, most suicide cases happen in the 15 to 30 and 50 to 75 age groups. Unable to cope with the mounting pressures at school, work and life, the young take their own lives. The elderly face problems of loneliness, depression and ageing.

    People with suicidal tendencies usually tell their close friends and their colleagues of their intentions. Most of the time, these revelations are not taken seriously by the listeners.

    Counsellors and tutors have to be more alert and be a "busybody" to identify and look out for students with psychological and emotional problems. Every reported case of suicidal tendencies should be investigated promptly and dis-creetly.

    Young people should be given stress-coping mechanisms and strategies in their school and workplace.

    Many young people have ended their lives because of failed relationships. Young people should be told that if they have the courage to fall in love than they must have the courage to fall out of love, and they must carry on and not end their lives when the love turns sour.

    Religious authorities should conduct seminars and talks on the value of life and the significance of life. Life is for laughing, loving and living. If they are bestowed with good health, that should be the passport to an enriching and rewarding life.

    There is another useful mantra for those who are depressed and bogged down with life's problems. First, learn to accept the unchangeable. Everything that has happened in your life to this minute is unchangeable.

    Living and mourning over past failed relationships only cripples the present and bankrupts your future. By letting go of these thoughts, you become free to concentrate on going forward and succeed in life.

    Secondly, change the changeable. What you can change is your reaction to what others say and do. We cannot change the attitude and behaviour of people around us. The only real control you have in life is that of your thoughts and actions.

    Time heals everything. Be patient and everything will fall into place.

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