Written by Bryan Tan – Marketing and Communications Associate at YPC, currently a PRP at a retail pharmacy, and pun enthusiast

1. People who talk about it are just trying to get attention.
2. It always occurs without any warning signs
3. Once people decide to do it, there is nothing you can do to stop them.
4. It only strikes people of a certain gender, race, financial status, age, etc.
5. People who attempt it and survive will not attempt it again.

These are 5 facts about something which we all should be more aware of. Could you guess what it is?

That’s right.

It’s suicide.

The National Psychiatry Association reported that suicide rates have increased by a whopping 60% since the 1960s. Unfortunately, it is still something which is under heavy stigma.

As healthcare professionals who potentially meet and treat suicidal people, it is vital for us to understand the challenges and hardships faced by these people and more importantly, when and where to refer when needed.

It is of great news that effective from 1st August, 8 telcos in Malaysia are providing toll-free calls to Befrienders KL in cooperation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

The participants are Celcom Axiata Berhad, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Berhad, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, TIME dotcom Berhad, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Webe Digital Sdn Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd.

“The announcement made is timely for those in need, distress, despair and having suicidal thoughts to seek assistance via the Befrienders helpline,” MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said in a statement. “Suicidal symptoms are a tragedy in every society, regardless of social, moral and economic aspects. Among the key steps that need to be taken is to eliminate the stigma in the community against mental illness and suicidal symptoms.

For those who don’t know, Befrienders KL is a non-profit organisation that provides emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to the distressed and the suicidal.

For those who require or knows someone who require such support and service, do contact Befrienders at 03-7956-8145/8144, or email sam@befrienders.org.my. For more details on Befrienders helpline in other states, visit www.befrienders.org.my.

Original article can be found here.