30pc of callers had suicidal thoughts: NGO

Kota Kinabalu: Some 30 per cent of the 1,375 calls received since movement restriction controls were imposed in Sabah from mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic had suicidal tendencies and loss of hope in living. 

 Befrienders Kota Kinabalu Publicity Director Jessie Ting (pic) said callers to Befrienders’ helplines ranged from those with loss of income, loss of job, financial difficulties, family breaking-up, difficulties in continuing their education, feeling sense of isolation due to the movement restrictions, loneliness, lack of social support and suffering from severe depression or mental illness. 

She said it is a fact that the Covid-19 pandemic added to more uncertainties about the future and worsened the conditions for suicide. 

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