00:00A shadow looms over Malaysian society as the country has seen an increase in the number
00:07of suicide cases in recent years.
00:10The numbers rose from 609 in 2017 to 1,087 in 2023.
00:17This problem, particularly among children and teenagers, is likened to a silent epidemic
00:22and it calls for urgent awareness and intervention.
00:26Mental health experts emphasise the importance of recognising warning signs in children who
00:31might be struggling with suicidal thoughts.
00:33Sometimes, we can observe the kids because they can't really express well, they suddenly
00:40start withdrawing.
00:41Things that they used to like, they will stop doing it.
00:45Food that they like, they suddenly have no interest.
00:48So they ask signs, they won't tell you, Mummy, I feel like killing myself.
00:53What is true in the little world, they don't do activities, their favourite show, they
00:58don't watch, they just hide in the room.
01:01So parents need to be equipped to see all these things as well.
01:06And sometimes, what people may not want to acknowledge is that there may be a family
01:11history of mental illness as well, a strong family history of mental illness.
01:16That doesn't automatically mean that the child is going to have an illness, but the risks
01:20are heavier.
01:23What more if there is a history of suicide in the family, now that is also a risk.
01:30They said the words uttered by children are also an important sign, as they may verbally
01:35express their distress or dissatisfaction with life.
01:38Other signs to watch for include academic deterioration and frequent posting of negative
01:44thoughts on social media.
01:46The experts said when someone expresses suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to listen with empathy,
01:52offer support and avoid trivialising their feelings.
01:56The first step is to provide some privacy, to ensure that the place is something that
02:01is respectful to the person and not having people pass by, walking and listening to the
02:06conversation.
02:07And secondly, also to ensure that the place is safe, it is away from any form of lethal
02:15means of acting in a spontaneous manner that may result in fatality.
02:21First thing is, be empathetic, listen, be kind, let them express their emotions.
02:27Then after that, don't deny it.
02:31So once you empathise, you agree, that person will know, okay, someone agrees with me.
02:37Then there's that connection already.
02:39From there, you can start asking, how can I help you?
02:42I would normally start by asking, why would you say so?
02:46So you ask them why first, because it's really not up to us to say yes or no.
02:51But of course, definitely we don't want them to do it and we'll try to stop it.
02:57But you want to acknowledge them first, understand them firstly.
03:01They said addressing these complex issues faced by young people requires a collaborative
03:06effort, not only from parents, but also from all sectors of society, including schools,
03:12community organisations and government agencies.
03:15By fostering understanding and compassion, tragedies can be prevented and mental well-being
03:20can be promoted.
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