Presenting the Interim Review of Suicide and Mental Health Issues, the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee of the National Council highlighted that nearly 300 people took their own lives between 2018-2020. Of which, 95 suicide cases were recorded last year alone. The committee emphasized that the major risk factors include mental disorder, neurological disorders, cancer and HIV infection.
“Difficulty in earning a livelihood triggers mental health issues which sometimes lead to suicide. These days everybody is on mobile phones and it’s rare to have a decent conversation and eat food with a family. Children watch everything on the phone. So it’s very important to create awareness in schools,” said Lhatu, Trashigang MP.
“One person cannot do all the job. We need to include people from religious communities, local government, district and gewog. If we work together then we can bring a good result,” said Ugyen Tshering, Paro MP.
“Almost 80% of them show signs before taking their lives. Since everyone is not a specialist, we can’t see and we can’t help them. If 10% to 12% of students attempted suicide, then it’s a big problem. It was all first reported at schools. I see a possibility of placing a heath specialist regularly in schools,” added Sangay Dorji, Chhukha MP.
According to the review, Samtse recorded the highest number of suicide cases for three consecutive years followed by Thimphu and Sarpang.
The committee highlighted challenges such as inadequate and weak policy, limited budget and human resources, lack of communication and coordination amongst stakeholders and associated stigma and discrimination that hindered the prevention of suicides in the country.
The national council members provided suggestions and recommendations to further enhance and develop the report. The committee will present the final report in the next session.
Kelzang Choden/ Kinzang Lhadon
