SUICIDE is preventable if people are willing to listen with empathy, understanding and acceptance, says Indian psychiatrist Dr Lakshmi Vijayakumar.
The consultant psychiatrist from India said families and schools have an important role in supporting young people.
“Suicide is preventable,” she said.
“Every one of us can prevent suicide if we can listen to somebody with empathy, understanding and acceptance.”
Dr Vijayakumar said teachers should be trained to identify students who are struggling, approach them appropriately and help them access support services.
“Everybody has a role to play, particularly for young people in low and middle-income countries.
“Families and schools are extremely important.”
She said families also need to learn how to communicate with young people, understand their concerns and spend time with them.
“We also have to teach the family how to approach young people, how to talk to them, how to understand them and how to spend time with them.”
Dr Vijayakumar urged Fijians experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help.
