Fiji Faces Rising Male Suicide Amid Culture of Silence

Fiji is facing a troubling mental health crisis, as evidenced by the rising number of suicides among men in the country. Lifeline Fiji’s Jeremaia Merekula reported during the World Suicide Prevention Day opening that an alarming 49 out of 63 suicides from January to August this year were males. This trend echoes similar distressing patterns observed in recent years.

The cultural backdrop in Fiji often dictates a “culture of silence,” particularly among males, who are taught from an early age to suppress their emotions, leading them to cope with challenges through unhealthy means, such as the excessive consumption of kava. This cultural norm reinforces the stereotype that men must remain stoic, which can contribute to the internalization of stress and emotional issues.

Adding to this complexity, societal expectations compel men to portray themselves as strong and unemotional, further exacerbating the struggle against mental health issues. The reluctance to seek help stems from deep-rooted cultural beliefs and pressures, creating a scenario where men are disproportionately represented in suicide statistics. In Fiji, men accounted for 76% of suicide deaths from 2020 to 2024, a trend consistent across numerous recent reports.

Efforts to change this narrative are gaining momentum, especially in the Western Division, which reports a significant portion of suicide cases. Minister Sashi Kiran and organizations such as Lifeline Fiji and Empower Pacific are actively working to dismantle the stigma associated with mental health. Advocates are calling for stronger community and governmental support systems, encouraging open dialogue, and integrating mental health awareness into educational settings.

Mental health professionals emphasize the critical need to address these issues through comprehensive strategies, including creating supportive environments where individuals feel safe to express their emotions. Initiatives like World Suicide Prevention Day play a crucial role in promoting these conversations and highlighting the availability of resources, such as toll-free helplines, to provide immediate support. While the challenge is significant, the commitment to changing societal perspectives offers hope for a future where mental health is openly discussed, and individuals are encouraged to seek help when needed.