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World Suicide Prevention Day: 83% Of Deaths In Malta Were Males

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Today is World Suicide Prevention Day 2022, with the theme ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ as chosen by the World Health Organisation.

An analysis of local statistics on suicide carried out by the Office of the Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders indicates, that in Malta there were an average of two deaths by suicide per month for the last 11 years.

Statistics found that 83% of these deaths were males, making up a very high number of the overall percentage. 

On the other hand, 22% were foreigners.

The age of these victims ranges from below 16 years up to over 95 years of age, with the 40 to 50-year bracket being the most prevalent.

Over these last seven years, each person who committed suicide lost an average of 20 years of productive life (below the age of 65 years).

“Suicide Prevention is everybody’s business. Suicide is not just a mental health challenge, but it deserves the attention of numerous stakeholders. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach including nongovernmental and civil society groups,” the Office of the Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders said in a press statement.

“The media, in whatever format or platform, can have positive, as well as negative effects. The way such a subject is discussed and reported in the media has a considerable bearing on the way society views this issue, and may play a part in bringing about a change in mistaken, prejudiced or stigmatised ideas about suicide,” it said.

The commissioner also appealed to the need for discussion about the topic within the community, to help better identify risk factors and learn how to address them. 

“Individuals need to be encouraged to talk about their mental well-being including suicide ideation and to seek appropriate intervention and help. A caring society should not allow individuals to feel alone and suffer in silence.”

“Suicide Prevention needs everyone to tackle this important and painful issue. Reflection, and action, on suicide prevention in our community, should not only be limited to World Suicide Prevention Day but merits an ongoing discussion and action program,” it appealed.

Such a reality requires a certain level of awareness to be raised, in order to offer help to people in such situations and potentially reduce instances of suicide. 

Persons who are in crisis can approach the Accident and Emergency department at Mater Dei Hospital or Primary Health Department and seek help from Mental Health Service professionals.

People passing through difficult moments and contemplating Suicide, as well as survivors of these tragic events, can seek help from available services: Suicide Prevention, Outreach and Therapeutic (SPOT) services by appointment on 2122 8333 (Victim Support Malta), Supportline 179 (FSWS) and 1770 (Richmond Foundation).

Anonymous chats such as kellimni.com, Olli chat or Krizi are also an option. One can contact the family doctor or health centre or by speaking to a person of trust.

Public officers can seek the help of the Employee Support Programme (ESP).

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Sasha is a writer, creator, and podcast host interested in environmental matters, humans, and art. Some know her as Sasha tas-Sigar. Inspired by nature and the changing world. Follow her on Instagram at @saaxhaa and send her your stories at [email protected]

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