A powerful awareness session on suicide prevention took place at the University of Fiji’s Saweni Campus in Lautoka, aligning with World Suicide Prevention Day. The event, organized by Empower Pacific in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and civil society organizations, aimed at shedding light on mental health issues and suicide prevention. Leading the insightful discussions were Counselor Vika Bete from Empower Pacific, Nurse Adi Sai Nakorolevu from Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital, and National Suicide Prevention Officer Keli Koroi.
The key message delivered to students was the invaluable idea that “There is no health without mental health,” emphasizing the critical nature of prioritizing mental wellness. The speakers urged young individuals to actively seek help when needed and step up to dismantle the stigma surrounding suicide through open and supportive dialogues. The initiative not only highlighted the pressing need for mental health attention but also stressed the importance of speaking openly about suicide as a lifesaving measure.
Organizers expressed gratitude to the partners involved, recognizing the essential role such initiatives play in addressing Fiji’s escalating suicide rates, most notably in the Western Division. Previous data disclosed by the National Committee on the Prevention of Suicide underscores this concern, as the Western Division accounted for 43% of the nation’s suicide cases over five years.
Community and national leaders have continually emphasized the importance of increasing visibility for mental health topics and fostering environments where those in distress feel supported to seek help. Empower Pacific, which has provided crucial mental health support for over three decades, advocates for a paradigm shift to promote conversations surrounding mental health and reduce the associated stigma.
As the observance of World Suicide Prevention Day reinforces, with its theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, there’s an ongoing call for collective action to build a future with fewer lives lost to suicide. By cultivating a culture of open dialogue and support, there’s hope for transformative change in addressing mental health challenges, not only within Fiji but globally.
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