IT is everyone’s responsibility to prevent suicide, says Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
According to Gooi, many people have been affected by suicide or at least know someone who has, making it crucial for everyone to get involved.
“Suicide prevention is a collective responsibility, not someone else’s problem.
“Most people who die by suicide do not necessarily want to die. They simply want the pain of living to stop.
“Thus, getting help for depressed people makes a difference because someone who is depressed is twenty times more likely to take their own life,” Gooi said in his speech before launching the World Suicide Prevention Day Forum at Tech Dome Penang (TDP) in Komtar today.
The forum was co-organised by the Kiwanis Club of Penang Central, Befrienders Penang, I-Life, and Penang Care Society.
It was held in conjunction with the ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ that is observed on Sept 10 every year to support the worldwide commitment to suicide prevention.
The forum also featured two notable speakers, namely consultant psychiatrist Dr Ng Yin Ping and consultant clinical psychologist Dr Lynne Yong.
Gooi added that suicide is a significant public health concern closely tied to mental health.
He advocates a robust support network, comprising loved ones, neighbours, therapists, friends or family members, to assist those facing mental health challenges.
He noted the increased attention given to mental health in the internet age and emphasised the importance of openly discussing these issues.
Gooi also said that sometimes people with suicidal tendency choose to die because they believe they have no reason to continue living.
He urged people to care and reach out to those in need, emphasising that our actions can provide hope and save lives.
He called upon doctors, hospitals, support groups, communities and families to combat the stigma surrounding suicide and provide timely assistance.
“No matter how big or small, our actions can provide hope to those who are struggling.
“Everyone has a role to play by reaching out to a loved one or a friend who they think may be having difficulties coping with life and reassuring them that their lives are valuable. After all, one life lost to suicide is one too many,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi