With the alarming statistics emanating
from Sri Lanka relating to suicides, it is time for us to seriously take some
real action in strengthening the mental health of this nation.
I believe I am not incorrect in saying
that everyone, at some point in their lives will become suicidal, due to a
foreseen or unforeseen occurrence, and it is the duty of others around to try
and give support and comfort to get us out of that state. Of course there is a
line on a continuum that people suffer from so some are more prone to
depression and suicidal thoughts than others and it is a continuing issue that
as a society we must be able to face in a matter of fact way.
What I mean by matter of fact, is that
there are the obvious people we can call without fear or embarrassment if we
feel depressed, as we know they will give us some comfort to get over the
thoughts of hopelessness that arise from this state of mind.
It is to the credit of the Samaritans,
and the Sri Lankan version, Sumithrayo, that we do in fact have a support mechanism
if only the people across the spectrum know of its existence and also of it being
accessible to all 24/7 for the people it serves.
For a society like Sri Lanka to reduce
their suicide rate, especially amongst the youth, it is important we are able
to figure out what is the problem in our inherent culture that leads people to
commit suicide, and how do we prevent unnecessary loss of life owing to it.
Suicide is not one that chooses between
rich or poor, or other social markers, so we must try and understand if we have
some societal behavioral norms if crossed lead people to take their own lives.
I am not here to analyze each and every one of these and suggest solutions, but
to urge the medical profession to elevate psychiatry to an acceptable and
affordable vocation with psychological counsellors who are trained at every
divisional secretariat level to identify those most at risk and take preventive
action.
It is also important that ALL schools
have some people trained in Counselling students, and where students have a
willing Counselor able to give advice that can help reduce the hopelessness
that pressures of adolescence can induce in our society. I am only touching the
surface of this problem, but believe resources MUST be put at this un sexy
field to save our people from a wholly unnecessary final trap!
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