THE authorities in Brunei are deeply concerned over the increasing suicide rates which have more than doubled over the last four year.
The Royal Brunei Police revealed that suicide rates increased from 1.9 cases per 100,000 people in 2015 to 2.6 cases per 100,000 people in 2018.
Brunei Health Minister Dr Mohammad Isham Jaafar said this has prompted the authorities to place more emphasis on mental health issues as a key component of public health.
Speaking recently at a World Mental Health Day event, the minister said while the suicide rates may be low compared to other countries, it was still worrying.
A total six suicides were recorded in 2014; eight in 2015; eight in 2016; 13 in in 2017; and 11 from January to August of 2018.
During the same four year period, there were 43 attempted suicides.
To help curb the problem, the Health Ministry launched the Hope Line 145 in February this year to provide assistance and advice to those suffering from depression or emotional crisis, including suicide.
Though the help line was still in its pilot phase, it received more than 1,300 calls in the first six months of being launched.
According to The Scoop (Brunei), other efforts include public campaigns, such as “Mind Your Mind” and “Brunei Bebas Buli” to help destigmatise mental illness and prevent bullying among school children.
The minister added that the mainstream media and social media platforms also play a role in preventing suicide, by disseminating accurate and useful information that may encourage people to seek mental health assistance.
The World Health Organisation says that suicide is the second highest cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 29, putting young people at greater risk of violence, sexual abuse and bullying.
More than one suicide occurs every 40 seconds worldwide — roughly resulting to about 800,000 deaths each year.