21/01/2023
PRESS RELEASE
SU***DE PREVENTION – EVERYONES RESPONSIBILTY
Malawi, just like many other countries, is facing a rise in incidence of mental health problems, including su***de, due to different factors ranging from adverse life events, social-economic difficulties, substance use, chronic physical illness or pandemics like COVID-19. Recent report from Malawi Police Services, shows that; from January, 2019 to August, 2022; 802 people have died by su***de. The situation is worsening with the rise in suicidal behaviors. This has a huge impact in Malawi, as lives of productive citizens are being lost.
Su***de is a major public health issue and therefore a topic of public interest as such we would like the public to understand some facts surrounding su***de as one way of preventing and minimizing deaths by su***de;
• The World Health Organization estimates that for every person across the world who dies by su***de, there may be 20 others who will make an attempt on their life
• Suicidal behaviour is extremely complex and can rarely, if ever, be attributed to a single cause.
• There are numerous risk factors for su***de and often people are in more than one ‘at-risk’ group. Risk factors can include socio-economic factors, relationship or societal conflicts, mental health problems, alcohol and drug abuse, exposure to su***de or self-harm (family, friends), and a history of trauma or abuse.
• Su***de is an extreme and potentially preventable act
The warning signs of su***de include; talking about wanting to die, looking for a way to kill oneself, talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose, talking about feeling trapped or unbearable pain, talking about being a burden to others, increasing the use of alcohol or drugs, acting anxious, agitated or recklessly, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawing or feeling isolated, showing rage or talking about seeking revenge, displaying extreme mood swings.
The individuals in crisis or at risk of su***de with the above signs or for those looking to help someone else, seek help or support from; family and friends, religious & community leaders, Psychological First Aider or Mental Health First Aider in the community or at Health Centre, Psychosocial Counsellor/Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Mental Health Nurse/Clinician at Central Hospital, Mental Health Nurse/Clinician at District Hospitals, Social Worker at Social Welfare Offices, Victim Support Unit at Police Stations, One Stop Centre at District Hospitals. Alternatively, people are encouraged to call the following Helplines: 929 or 54747 or 5600 or 116 or 169. These are free of charge, available 24/7, and confidential.
The media can be an invaluable source of support for individuals experiencing self-harm and provides opportunities to access information. However, the media at times carry risk by exposing people to sensational graphic content, including methods of harm. Access to such content can be distressing, and triggering and may act to encourage, maintain or exacerbate self-harm and suicidal behaviors. It is with this background that we would like the media to exercise responsible reporting.
TOGETHER WE CAN
