Men facing domestic violence, relationship problems, and other psychological or physical challenges are encouraged to seek help from counselors. Mohenesh Singh, the founder and counselor at Healing Hands Foundation Fiji, emphasizes that support is available for men dealing with suicidal thoughts.
“It is crucial for men to break the silence and report any violation of their rights to the police,” Mr. Singh stated. He added, “If you feel scared, isolated, confused, ashamed, or afraid, you can reach out to organizations like mine for assistance.”
Mr. Singh dedicates time to educate young men on problem-solving strategies. He believes that sharing their experiences is vital to prevent falling into suicidal ideation. In the Northern Division, he reports that five to six men approach him daily to discuss their issues.
Through his observations, Mr. Singh has identified key factors contributing to male suicides, including domestic violence from partners, relationship troubles, and financial stress. He also pointed out that men who abuse alcohol and illicit drugs are at an increased risk for suicide.
He noted that societal perceptions in Fiji often deter men from disclosing their experiences of abuse, as there is pressure to portray themselves as “strong.” “While overcoming these fears might be challenging, it’s essential to understand that abuse is likely to persist until proactive measures are taken,” he advised.
The police suicide report for national suicide statistics from January to October 2023 revealed that men accounted for the majority of both suicide and attempted suicide cases, with 90 males compared to 40 females.