LETTERS: Mental health practitioners in Malaysia are seeing more depressed adolescents who feel suicidal or have attempted suicide.
It is a worrying and serious situation. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 (WHO, 2019).
Adolescents who exhibit suicidal behaviours or feel suicidal are often depressed. Many are feeling down, confused, distressed, anxious and even angry. They do not sleep well and lose interest and motivation to do things that are ordinarily pleasurable for them.
They do not want to go to school or mix with their family. They want to be on their own, doing things themselves and often not doing anything.
Often, these adolescents experience stressful and distressing events in the family and friendship group. Family conflicts are common in homes, where communication is harsh and hurtful.
Many adolescents struggle with their academic performance. They face distressing problems in school, for example, bullying, teasing and feeling unsupported. Many feel pressured to do well and are disappointed and angry that they cannot get themselves out of the rut.
The suicidal behaviours and feelings are because they feel distressed and see no way out of their struggles. They have been struggling for a while and see suicide or self-harming as a solution to their problems.
Adults often downplay or dismiss these children who are struggling and need help.
Depression and suicidal behaviours and feelings in adolescents are manageable mental health situations if attended to early. Mental health practitioners can assess the adolescents' situation and provide appropriate treatment strategies.
However, many are not receiving help because of the stigma and myths surrounding depression and suicide.
Adolescents and children feeling down, depressed or suicidal can seek help at the nearest health providers. The doctors will assess the adolescents and take the necessary steps, including referring them to the relevant services.
In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept 10, we would like to state that it is never too late to seek help. There is no shame in this.
MALAYSIAN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY ASSOCIATION (MYCAPS)
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
