The rising incidence of suicide among men in Fiji is causing alarm, prompting calls for urgent national attention to address mental health issues. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, emphasized this concern on World Suicide Prevention Day, calling for society to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Recent statistics reveal that from 2020 to 2024, 489 people died by suicide in Fiji, with 76% of them, amounting to 370 cases, being men. Moreover, men were also involved in more than half of the 446 recorded suicide attempts, accounting for a significant portion of what Minister Kiran describes as a “silent crisis” affecting Fiji’s male population.
Data further highlights that the most affected demographic is between 18 to 24 years old, followed by teenagers aged 13 to 17, and the elderly over 60 years. The Western Division of Fiji is particularly affected, recording 43% of suicide cases and nearly half of all attempted suicides, underscoring the need for more targeted mental health services in this area. Minister Kiran emphasized that the issue transcends generations, affecting both the youth, who represent Fiji’s future, and the elderly, the wisdom holders in communities.
Minister Kiran urged a national shift in addressing mental health, advocating for compassion rather than judgment within familial and community units. In her appeal, she stressed the importance of integrating psychosocial support across all societal levels to ensure no one suffers in isolation. She reminded the public of the toll-free national helplines available for those in crisis, reinforcing that help is available, and life matters.
Efforts to curb this distressing trend are not new. In previous discussions, mental health advocates like Dr. Balram Pundit and Lifeline Fiji’s CEO, Jeremaia Merekula, have highlighted the absence of adequate investment in mental health facilities and the persistent stigma attached to mental health issues. The need for broader societal change, informed dialogue, and the strengthening of support systems have been recurring themes in discussions about suicide prevention. The global theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024-2026, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” seeks to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and promote open conversations.
Fiji also sees various community and government partnerships working toward preventive measures, with organizations like Empower Pacific providing counseling and support services. The focus has been on raising awareness and providing the resources needed to help individuals shift from suffering in silence to seeking necessary support.
This pressing issue presents an opportunity for Fiji to not only address immediate mental health challenges but also to establish a long-term support network that encourages dialogue and understanding. By continuing these efforts, Fiji aims to build a society where mental health is openly discussed, and where lives can be saved through compassion and comprehensive support systems.
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