THE Government is reviewing the existing Mental Health Act to facilitate the incorporation of new initiatives and ensure current measures are up to par in the prevention of suicides, says Health and Medical Services Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu.
He said that in the coming months initiatives aimed at tackling the suicide problem would be taken throughout all divisions to raise the awareness that “we are there, that people are there, the Government is there, NGOs, CSOs, and everyone is there to listen and help those in need”.
He made the comment at a candlelight vigil in Lautoka this week conducted in memory of the 63 lives lost to suicide from January to August this year.
Ratu Atonio stressed the importance of taking time out to listen to individuals who may be exhibiting behaviour indicative of suicidal tendencies.
“If someone abruptly, out of the ordinary, hijacks your time, to say, ‘please, can I talk with you?’.
“That is a telling sign that someone needs someone to listen and talk to because at the end of the day, who knows, when you’re talking with them, you’re probably preventing suicide.
“Talk to someone who’s in need, listen and dialogue on how they can address those issues, and in doing so, refer them to the relevant stakeholders who are here, who are doing a very good job.”
