A social dialogue is on with regard to suicides after a boxer, policeman and an actor, all youths, took their own lives in the past
one week.
3,000 suicides a year
Suicide 2Sri Lanka has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with the average being 3,000 a year.
Police say 2,339 men and 686 women committed suicide in 2016, while the respective figures for 2015 are 2,369 and 669 and for 2014 it is 2,484 and 660.
They had been driven to suicide mainly due to love affairs, economic, family and mental problems.
Depression
Relatives and friends can help suicidal persons in a big way, says activist of ‘Sumithrayo’ Samantha Govipalgoda.
One reason for suicides is inability to bear up problems and there being no one to speak to, she says, adding that if someone can listen and create some hope, suicides can be prevented.
According to her, the drive to commit suicide remains with a person for around 48 hours, and that person will definitely give a hint of his decision.
However, society takes it lightly and evades it, she says.
But, what should be done then is to listen to that person and give some hope in life.
Big problem
Meanwhile, consultant psychiatrist Jayan Mendis says treating mental patients is a big problem due to the non-availability of the required personnel and facilities.
There are specialist doctors, but the shortage of occupational therapists, counselors and clinical workers is serious, says the former director of the National Institute of Mental Health.
Lack of planning
According to him, a mere 10 or so clinical workers are created by the universities a year, and the situation is similar with occupational therapists too.
Authorities have failed to solve this despite being pointed out repeatedly, says Dr. Mendis, adding that a lack of planning and administrative issues have worsened the situation.
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