Dr. Balram Pundit, the senior medical superintendent at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, emphasizes that mental health and well-being have not received adequate investment in society. As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Ministry of Health organized a panel discussion at St. Pius X Parish Raiwaqa Catholic Church on Tuesday, focusing on the stigma surrounding suicide and prevention strategies.
Dr. Pundit highlighted the urgent need to address the stigma associated with suicide. He pointed out that insufficient investment in mental health facilities and support systems for those who suffer in silence contributes significantly to the issue. “It’s not just about monetary support; we need investment in behavior change regarding this matter,” Dr. Pundit stated. He stressed the importance of providing the necessary environment and support people need to confront this critical issue.
He also noted that it is vital to allocate enough resources to support youth dealing with mental health challenges and to create safe spaces for them to express their feelings. According to the Fiji Police Force, there have been 63 reported suicide cases from January 1 to August 22 this year, a slight decrease from 66 cases during the same timeframe last year. Additionally, there were 44 attempted suicides, down from 47 last year.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci called the statistics extremely alarming. Among those reported, eight suicides and five attempted suicides involved individuals under 18, while those over 60 accounted for the highest number of cases, with 19 suicides and two attempts.
The data also indicates a higher number of incidents among males, with 50 reported cases. ACP Raikaci is calling on community leaders to help change the narrative around mental health. “We need to foster a more understanding and supportive culture and create safe spaces for open dialogue,” he asserted.
As the police address modern challenges, including cyberbullying, ACP Raikaci encourages Fijians to show more compassion online. Common factors associated with suicide and attempted suicide cases include marital disputes, family conflicts, relationship issues, stress, and illness.