Fiji Battles Rising Male Suicide Rates and the Culture of Silence

Men in Fiji are encouraged to break the silence surrounding their struggles, as the nation grapples with a concerning suicide rate that disproportionately affects men. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, emphasized the need to dismantle societal pressures that compel men to project strength, even when faced with personal crises.

The alarming statistics, presented by Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu, reveal that of the 110 recorded suicide cases this year, an overwhelming 70 percent involve men. Kiran described these figures as indicative of a broader social issue, noting, “It is quite tragic to see the number of young people, but also the number of old people.” While she acknowledged a decrease in suicides among older individuals, the persistent trend among younger populations highlights an urgent need for change.

Kiran identified societal expectations around masculinity as a contributing factor to the high suicide rates among men, stating, “I think it is the culture that men are not able to seek help.” She urged families and communities to be vigilant and supportive during challenging times, such as exam results, relationship breakups, or job losses.

Moreover, Kiran criticized the culture of judgment and sarcasm pervasive in society, suggesting it exacerbates the mental health struggle for many individuals. “We (the whole country) make life pretty hard for people,” she remarked, calling attention to the need for kindness and understanding.

As the festive season approaches, Kiran hopes for a shift towards greater empathy within the community. She reminded the public of the importance of responsible social media use and the value of nurturing the country’s spiritual and familial bonds. “No amount of legislation can stop people if they’re not healed from within. Empathy is something from inside,” she concluded.

In the statistics presented, 63 of the cases were completed suicides, resulting in a rate of 7.1 per 100,000 people, while 47 were attempts, with the Western Division recording the highest incidence. This sobering data underscores the need for an urgent cultural shift in how mental health and masculinity are perceived and addressed in Fijian society.