Fiji is facing a mental health crisis, with 489 people dying by suicide in the past five years and another 446 surviving suicide attempts, according to the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran.
Speaking at the 21st anniversary celebration of the Psychiatric Survivors Association (PSA) in Suva yesterday, Minister Kiran described the statistics as a national wake-up call.
“These were calls for help, and we as a society had failed them,” she said.
“Many young people are turning to substance abuse as they struggle with psychosocial challenges.”
The minister urged families to pay closer attention to their loved ones, particularly children and youth showing signs of distress.
“Look into your children’s eyes. you’ll know when something is wrong. Instead of judging, timely intervention and support could go a long way.”
The event, themed “21 Years of Advocacy, Empowerment, and Change: Dignity and Rights for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities in Fiji,” also saw the launch of two PSA publications: “Expecting Mothers with Psychosocial Disabilities” and “Children Living in Psychosocially Affected Families.”
Founded in 2004, the PSA has worked to reduce stigma, promote human rights, and provide peer-led support for people living with psychosocial disabilities.
Minister Kiran praised the association as a “beacon of hope, courage, and leadership,” particularly for its recent work in HIV/AIDS prevention and drug harm reduction.
She revealed a disturbing rise in HIV cases as well, 1,583 new cases recorded in 2024, the highest ever in Fiji.
Minister Kiran reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with organisations like PSA to promote dignity, rights, and inclusive support for all Fijians experiencing psychosocial challenges.
