Dr. Balram Pundit, senior medical superintendent at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, has highlighted the urgent need for more investment in mental health and well-being within society. This statement came during a panel discussion organized by the Ministry of Health at the St. Pius X Parish Raiwaqa Catholic Church on the observance of World Suicide Prevention Day.
The discussion concentrated on the stigma related to suicide and potential preventative measures. Dr. Pundit stressed the importance of addressing this stigma, pointing out that a lack of investment in mental health facilities and insufficient support for individuals who suffer in silence are contributing factors to the ongoing issues.
“It’s not solely about financial backing; we also require investment in altering societal behaviours regarding this matter,” Dr. Pundit stated. He emphasized the importance of creating appropriate environments and involving the right individuals to tackle this pressing concern.
Dr. Pundit further noted the necessity of allocating adequate resources specifically for youth facing mental health challenges, stressing the importance of providing safe environments for them to express their feelings.
Statistics from the Fiji Police Force indicate that there have been 63 suicides reported from January 1 to August 22 this year, slightly down from 66 cases during the same timeframe last year. There have also been 44 attempted suicides nationally, a decrease from 47 in the previous year.
Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sakeo Raikaci expressed his concern over these statistics, describing them as “extremely worrying.” Among the cases reported, there were eight suicides and five attempts involving individuals under the age of 18. The highest number of cases occurred in individuals over 60 years old, with 19 suicides and two attempted suicides reported. Additionally, the statistics indicate that males are significantly more affected, with 50 reported cases.
ACP Raikaci is calling on community leaders to help change the narrative surrounding mental health. “We need to foster a culture of understanding and support, while also creating safe spaces for open discussions,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of addressing modern policing challenges, such as cyberbullying, and encouraging compassion among Fijians in online interactions.
Common factors associated with suicide and attempted suicide cases include spousal disputes, family conflicts, relationship problems, stress, and health issues.