KUCHING: It is estimated that six to 10 people out of every 100,000 people take their own life or commit suicide every year in Malaysia.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Professor of Psychiatry, Dr T Maniam, cautioned that this figure on those who committed suicide could be controversial as the latest statistics had yet to be published by the government.
By and large, the suicide profile points to adult male in the 50s, while, tragically, the older range of ‘Generation Y’ are not spared due to the high premium on academic pursuit and, starkly, broken hearts. The modus operandi: hanging, poison and a fatal plunge. The scenario: pressure cooker city-living. The verdict: an uptrend in Malaysia, where mental health has gained more focus.
“The risk of suicide is much higher if they suffer from depression and schizophrenia and the rate is between 7 to 10 per cent,” he divulged.
“And the figure for those with major depressive disorder or bipolar depression is even higher, with the rate at 10 per cent,” he added.
He revealed these figures to media after he spoke on the topic ‘Suicide Risk Assessment and Clinical Tips’ at the first Sarawak Regional Neuropsychiatry Conference 2015 here yesterday.
Dr Maniam said for anyone bearing this risk, it would be advisable to seek out medical help as soon as possible.
He said there are many factors that lead people to take the path to self-destruction.
“It could be sickness, depression, loss of something (property), loss of loved ones, loss of job or debilitating environment in the office, break-up in relationship, failure in studies,” he elaborated.
Dr Maniam said research also showed that the interaction of these factors could really push a person off the brink.
He also revealed that in Malaysia, not unlike other countries, the suicide victims were mostly adult male and over 50 years of age.
However, of late younger people in the populace are also turning to suicide, he lamented.
“These suicide cases were due to failing in examinations and breakdown of relationship between men and women and vice-versa,” he sighed.
Prof Dr Maniam also revealed the age of people with suicidal tendencies at between 35 to 50 but the highest range would push 50 to 60 years old.
“The method of suicide is usually by hanging, followed by drinking poison and jumping from high elevation, especially those living in town and city,” he said.
In conclusion, and based on what has been reported, he is of the opinion that the trend of people taking their own life in Malaysia is increasing despite no actual figures.
Later, in his keynote address at the conference Professor Dr Syed Hassan Ahmad of the Medical Faculty at Universiti Technology Mara (UiTM) and the chairperson of Clinical Medicine Cluster, Coordinator in Psychological and Behavioural Medicine Discipline and Coordinator Personal and Professional Development, reminded that it was necessary to establish close collaboration between members of the discipline of psychological medicine, neurology and other related agencies.
“As the theme for this year’s conference includes the terminology of neuropsychiatry, the keynote address emphasises the benefits of bridging the gap for better outcomes, therefore there is a necessity to work in synergy to ensure patients receive optimum care,” he said.
The conference is a joint effort between Mental Health Association of Kuching branch, Hospital Sentosa, Sarawak General Hospital, Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology and the Department of Psychological Medicine in Unimas.
The theme of the conference held at Pullman Hotel (May 7-9) is ‘Bridging Gaps for Better Outcomes’ and attended by 200 delegates from all over Malaysia who are involved in general healthcare and in managing patients with neuropsychological disorder.