Family support vital to prevent suicides

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

To lower the high suicide death rate in Sri Lanka it is important to focus on its prevention in which community and family support is vital, said Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists issuing a public awareness statement ahead of the World Suicide Prevention day.

The International Suicide Prevention day falls on September 10 themed 'Suicide prevention: One World Connected'.

"Suicides are easily preventable. And reducing access to means of suicide is one way to reduce deaths. Other effective measures include responsible reporting of suicide in the media, and early identification and treatment of mental disorders, particularly depression, which is an important risk factor for suicide," according to the College of Psychiatrists.

"Though the suicide rates have gone down since mid 1990s, Sri Lanka still is reported to have a high number of suicides. According to new data nearly 11 people kill themselves per day and majority aged between 15 to 44," said Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Indika Mudalige, representing the College of Psychiatrists.

Follow up care by health workers through regular contact for people who have attempted suicide , together with provision of community support, are essential, because people who have already attempted suicide are at the greatest risk of trying again.

As psychiatrists explain many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, sudden and major changes in life such loss of job, separation of a partner, relationship break ups or illnesses, according to Dr. Mudalige.

To mark the International Suicide Prevention day the College of Psychiatrists is organising a line of public awareness programs through out the country, said Dr. Mudalige.