Nat Ye Hla
The danger that a person might commit suicide is often brushed under the carpet or given little attention in Myanmar.
But in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions and following the 2021 military coup, there are signs that an increased number of people are under stress due to a range of issues, including lack of security, leading to a risk of suicide.
Mizzima talked to Ko Min, 42, who works for the NGO Suicide Prevention Myanmar (SPM) to attempt to assess the situation.
Q: Has Myanmar seen an increase in suicides in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 military coup?
I agree with the point that suicide rate has been increasing in Myanmar. Joblessness, pay cuts, the failure of big and small businesses have become a global problem. Myanmar suffers more as a developing country with very low average individual income. Major family financial problems are very common, and the current political uncertainties have deepened the crises even further. The last 20 months have resulted in an undoubtedly major decrease in the general mental health wellbeing of the people of Myanmar.
Also, more people reached out to SPM in recent months. The numbers vary of course but in the past only about two or three people per week contacted us to open up and talk. Recently, the numbers went up. For instance, we received seven people in the last four days. This is SPM’s experience only. We are certain that more people than usual have contacted other organizations like ours in the past few months.
We can outline the types of people who might become suicidal as follows. Firstly, young people who seemed to have lost their way and hope, in education or work, during this time of uncertainty which started at the very first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secondly, people – young and old - with underlying mental health conditions who are facing various unfavourable issues, namely family problems, marital issues, and certain major changes in their life.
Thirdly, financial issues are major contributing factors in this too as Myanmar, like most countries, suffers the same fate since the start of the pandemic.
However, more and more support groups, Facebook pages and services have sprung up as a direct result of this, which has brought an understanding of mental health education we have not seen before now. From professionally qualified mental health practitioners offering online courses and counselling services, free weekly and monthly zoom webinars on how to cope and face the day, more Facebook messaging services, telephone support call lines, wellness Facebook encouragement groups, and general information sharing memes and posts on social media, we can see support and information on social media offered everywhere. This in itself can only be a force for good, even if it has come sadly from a desperate need for help.
Q: Could you tell the current challenges of Suicide Prevention Myanmar (SPM) as the number of people suffering from mental health disorders is increasing?
SPM is one of the organizations giving care to people with mental disorders, although our team’s focus is mainly on suicide. A lot of such organizations or groups have emerged in recent years which is very encouraging but there is still a lot of work to be done.
The organizations would not be able to help unless people with issues reach out. There are many suffering from mental illnesses yet are reluctant to seek help due to two main reasons.
Firstly, due to the stigma associated with mental illnesses there is “fear” of shaming, discrimination, rejection and so forth which might occur when they open up about their mental health problems.
Secondly, there is a lack of awareness of the presence and benefits of such organizations. Until people seek help, they will not get the required help and support. Many suicides could have been avoided if the victims had asked for help from any reputable group or trained and experienced caregivers.
So, the main challenge is to be able to connect people in need with organizations like SPM in order for them to get suitable support which will improve their mental condition. Educational activities are growing but there are a lot of negative views from many people when mental illnesses and suicide are discussed and written about, which is also a challenge.
Mental health is still very much seen as a taboo topic. But with so many people willing and trying to help, it is slowly changing.
Q: What should the international community be aware of in helping with suicide prevention in Myanmar?
Suicide prevention awareness is growing in Myanmar as was evident in numerous activities, events and trainings held recently.
September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.
All these things are a definite step in the right direction, but there is still a lot more that can be done. Medication has been dominant when treating people with mental illnesses. But the trend is slowly changing with increased availability of counselling and other therapeutic treatments on offer.
The key requirements are to firstly educate people suffering from mental illnesses that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength. Secondly, there is a need for mental health professionals, caregivers and various groups who are eager to support people in need in order for them to get up-to-date information and techniques on how to cope.
Thirdly, the general public need to become aware that suffering from mental illnesses, talking about it and seeking help are nothing to be ashamed of.
Suicide Prevention Myanmar (SPM) is a non-profit online support group, and as the name suggests, mainly caters to people who feel suicidal due to various triggers.
It was founded in 2017 by one young man who felt the loneliness and despair shared by those who contact us for support today. His aim was to attempt to provide the help he so desperately needed in his time of need. He is no longer involved in the day to day running of our services as he focuses on his own personal struggles. We have since been led and guided by people who are passionate about helping those with mental fitness issues and that strive to raise awareness of mental health in our country.
Our group is comprised of people who share the same passion and vision. Some of our own members have gone through mental health issues themselves, giving them the burning desire to assist. The members are well-trained and striving to improve themselves even more in order to contribute more to the society, while having an insight into the minds of those who feel life’s struggles more adeptly.
