M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
If a friend or loved one talks or behaves thinking about suicide, do not try to handle the situation alone if you are not trained in counselling.
Get help from a trained professional counsellor as soon as possible. Your friend or loved one may need to stay in the hospital until the suicidal crisis passes.
I was once a trained Befriender, and telephone counsellor in the late 1970s. If I could not handle a suicide call, I always consulted experienced counsellors to help out.
Recently, a Malaysian Indian elderly man took his life after losing the respect of family members. The family took it lightly when their father attempted suicide before.
Ultimately when asked to leave the house, he took his life, and this went viral on a video recording of talking about suicide to friends. The next day the picture of a policeman standing next to the suicide victim hung went viral again.
Attempted suicide cases in Malaysia have risen to 10 per cent among Malaysian teens, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022 Survey by the National Institute of Health.
To help suicide victims, Dato Dr Florance Sinniah who manages a telephone counselling centre in Butterworth said: “Understanding the signs of suicide is crucial in helping a person. When we get such a call, we need to compassionately counsel by listening attentively to their problem as to why they decided to take their life.”
In her Facebook posting, Dr Florance said: “The recent tragic incident that unfolded in a heart-wrenching video clip has left many of us reeling with a deep sense of sorrow and regret. As we reflect on the missed opportunity to intervene and potentially save a life, we must come together as a community to understand the signs of suicide better and take proactive steps to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from occurring in the future.”
Here are three essential points, Dr Florance said to consider in the wake of the suicide by an elderly father after a misunderstanding in the family.
1. Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action: We must take any mention of suicidal thoughts seriously, whether they are expressed in moments of sadness or masked by a facade of cheerfulness. When someone confides in you about their struggles or intentions to end their life, it is a clear cry for help. We must listen attentively, offer our support, and encourage them to seek professional help. In the case at hand, the uncle exhibited clear indications of his suicidal thoughts, underscoring the importance of proactive intervention.
2. Respecting the dignity of the deceased: Sensationalising news of such tragic events and circulating graphic images can have detrimental consequences. By refraining from sharing sensationalised content, we can honour the memory of the deceased and prevent the potential glorification of suicide, which could inadvertently trigger copycat incidents among vulnerable individuals facing similar challenges.
3. Extending Compassion to the Bereaved: While we may not have all the details surrounding the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking loss, we must refrain from passing judgment on the grieving family. During this difficult time, it is crucial to afford them the space and privacy they need to mourn their loved ones and come to terms with their profound loss.
As we navigate the aftermath of this tragedy, Dr Florance said: Let us pledge to remain vigilant and supportive of those in distress. By being attentive listeners, offering a compassionate presence, and connecting individuals in crisis with the appropriate resources, we can play a vital role in preventing the loss of precious lives.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. You are not alone. Support is available through organisations such as Sneham Malaysia, reachable at 1800225757 or 0102945722.
Let us stand together as a community, ready to offer compassion, understanding, and assistance to those in need.
Help is out there. Dial that number and speak to someone instead of taking your life. Helplines in Malaysia for suicide are many. Click to find out a Helpline telephone number.
These organisations offer free and confidential emotional support to anyone feeling distressed, depressed or suicidal.
ends
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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