Gatekeepers to help keep suicide rates down

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Gatekeeper training is the key to cutting down on suicides.
National Suicide Registry Malaysia (NSRM) principal investigator Dr Nor Hayati Ali said "gatekeepers" were people who may come into contact with suicidal individuals in their daily work, such as police officers, religious officers, cus-todial (prison officers) personnel, teachers and school staff, social workers and doctors.
She said very often, these individuals get little or no specific training in the identification of suicide risks and how to help suicidal individuals.
Besides risk assessment and intervention, these gatekeepers would also know where to direct the suicidal people for help such as treatment for depression, alcoholism and drug abuse.
Dr Nor Hayati also said the Health Ministry had taken measures towards suicide prevention, one of which was to encourage responsible reporting by the media.
The media, she said, should avoid sensational or too-detailed reports on suicide or attempted suicides.
On ways to curb suicides, Dr Nor Hayati said religion and spiritual faith appeared to have a protective effect.
"Religion promotes righteous conduct and the belief that God will not forsake us, which acts as an antidote against hopelessness.
"However if a patient is inflicted by mental disorders or an overwhelming life event, this might affect the person's ability to make a choice."
Dr Nor Hayati said it was vital for family members and friends to step in at such times to ensure that the person did not feel isolated and received assistance.