“There is always Hope” – Youths mark suicide prevention day

World over September 10th is set aside to mark Suicide Prevention Day and the Suva based organization, Youths for Mental Health is calling on people to light a candle by a window tonight as a sign of support.

The Fiji Police Force, who have also joined the cause, revealed some alarming statistics on Suicides.

The stats show that 80 cases of suicide and 83 three cases of attempted suicide have been reported to Police from January to August this year! According to the police, what is worrying is that  most suicide cases arise from an issue that could have easily been resolved through dialogue.

What is even more worrying is that the victims are getting younger and those deemed to be in their productive years.

The Ministry of Health also stated that a large proportion of people who commit suicide suffer from mental health stressors. It says these are often triggered by relationship difficulties, loss of personal identity, family instability/conflicts, interpersonal loss, financial stressors and mental health issues.

 

To mark the day, the Youth Champs for Mental Health held a small gathering in the heart of Suva in efforts to create public awareness on Suicide Prevention. They had a tree in the middle of the Vodafone Triangle so  that people could place their messages.

The group also used the opportunity to inform young people on mental health, suicide prevention and ways to overcome depression.

Later this evening, there is a candle light vigil & Documentary screening at the Civic Center and the lighting of a candle on a window sill is in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to suicide.

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