World Suicide Prevention Day
10th September 2013
“ Stigma : A Major Barrier to Suicide Prevention ”
Presented by :
National Association for
Suicide Prevention and
Research (NASPAR)
Objective
• To increase awareness for enhanced understanding
of the damaging effects of suicide.
• To implement programs in an effort to prevent
suicide in our society.
• To provide services to help survivors deal with
their loss.
• To conduct advocacy for strengthening and
supportive environment to address the issue of
Suicide prevention and its essential services
• To influence policy authorities to consider the
issue of suicide in their plans and policies.
Introduction: Suicide
“An
act with a fatal outcome that is
deliberately initiated and performed
by the person himself or herself in
the knowledge of expectation of its
fatal outcome” (WHO 1993)
Global Suicide Scenario
• Every year, almost 1 million people die from
suicide
• In the last 45 years, suicide rates have
increased by 60 % in some countries.
• Suicide is among top 20 leading causes of
death for all ages.
• Suicide ranks among top 3rd leading causes
of death among those aged 15-44 years.
(Source: WHO)
Global Scenario contd..
• Suicide ranks among top 2nd leading causes
of death among those aged 10-24 years.
• 30% of all suicide worldwide occurs in Asia.
• 1 death every 40 seconds.
• On average, almost 3000 people commit
suicide daily.
( Source: WHO )
National Scenario
•3, 536 suicidal incidents were recorded in
Fiscal Year 2069/070
•31,503 suicide incidents were recorded in Fiscal
Year 2059/060 to 2069/070
Source: Nepal Police & Kantipur news:
Detail Suicide incidents were recorded in
Fiscal Year 2059/060 to 2069/070
Types of Suicide Figure of Nepal from last 10 yrs
Suicide methods
059/070
Hanging
Poisoning
18,734
11187
Burning
Drowning
Jumping
Sharp Instruments
502
374
315
300
Electrocution
91
Total
31,503
Source: Nepal Police
Distribution of Suicides by Gender
Female
47%
Male
44%
Child
Female
4%
Child Male
5%
Source: Nepal Police
High Risk Group for Suicide
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mentally disorders
Youth and Adolescence
Divorced, Single or Living alone
Late Life
Police and Military Personnel
Member of broken Family
Sexual Abuse
Family History of Suicide
MARP for HIV, PLHIV etc.
Social Risk factor of Suicide
•
•
•
•
•
Poverty, Unemployment
Poor relationship with family
Domestic violence
Poor or lack of social support
Recent stressful life event: loss of
beloved , Loneliness, Illness,
unsuccessful in exam, Sexual misuse etc
Social Risk Factor of Suicide contd.
• Childhood Trauma esp. sexual and physical
abuse
• Substance abuse
• Influence of media or films
• Stigma and Discrimination
• Political Instability
• Displacement of family due to migration etc
Psychological Risk Factors
• A pre-existing mood disorders
(depression, anxiety, or mania)
• A current psychiatric disorders such as
schizophrenia
• Substance dependency
• Discomfort with sexuality and gender
Common Classification of Suicide
Methods in Nepal
1. Violent Methods: e.g. hanging, burning,
use of sharp instruments, drowning,
electrocuted etc.
Common Classification of Suicide
Methods in Nepal
2. Non-violent Methods: e.g. poisoning, drug
overdose, suffocation etc.
3. Passive Methods: e.g. patient choosing to die
by refusing to accept treatment
Problem Statement
• According to the WHO and the latest Burden of
Disease Estimation, suicide is a major public
health problem in high-income countries and is
an emerging problem in low and middle-income
countries.
• Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in
the world, especially among young people
• A large proportion of people who die by suicide
suffer from mental illness.
Problem Statement
• Recent estimates of WHO suggest that the disease
burden caused by mental illnesses will account for 25%
of the total disease burden in the world in the next two
decades, making it the most important category of illhealth (more important than cancer or heart diseases.)
• A significant number of those with mental illnesses who
die by suicide do not contact health or social services
near the time of their death. In many instances, there are
insufficient services available to assist those in need at
times of crisis.
Problem Statement
• Negative attitudes about individuals with mental illnesses
and/or suicidal ideation or impulses (prejudice) is
common in many communities
• Many health professionals who feel uncomfortable
dealing with persons struggling with mental illnesses or
suicidal ideation often hold negative, prejudicial attitudes
towards such patients. This can result in a failure to
provide optimal care and support for persons in crisis.
Problem Statement
• Issue of Suicide has not been adequately
addressed by the Government, NonGovernment and Civil Society.
• Lack of awareness of suicide as a major
psycho-social public health problem.
• Existing taboos towards Suicide to discuss
openly
Gaps needing fulfillment in Suicide
Prevention Sector in Nepal.
Responsibility of the Government
• Develop national policy frameworks for
national suicide prevention strategies.
• Incentive for suicide research.
• Suicide prevention requires intervention
Local Level
• Policy statements and research outcomes
need to be translated into preventive
programs and activities in the community.
Gaps needing fulfillment in Suicide Prevention
Sector in Nepal.
• Comprehensive multi-sectoral approach, including
both health and non-health sectors, e.g. education,
labour, police, justice, religion, law, politics, the
media
• Research is needed to improve understanding of
the circumstances and contributory factors of these
tragic events, to guide interventions
Gaps needing fulfillment in Suicide Prevention
Sector in Nepal.
 Services for Suicide Prevention Activities
such as:
• Massive awareness and sensitization programmes
• Hot-line services and Crisis Management.
• Advocacy for prevention of suicidal behavior.
• Provision of adequate treatment and follow-up for
people who attempted suicide.
Gaps needing fulfillment in Suicide
Prevention Sector in Nepal.
Sensitization of family members to create
enabling environment for suicide victims
Early treatment and care for Mental disorder
patients.
Reduce stigma “A Major Barrier to Suicide
Prevention”.
Activities of NASPAR in the issue of Suicide
Prevention and Care
World Suicide Prevention Day , 10th September 2011
Participants of Suicide Prevention Day 2011
World Suicide Prevention Day
10th September 2010
World Suicide Prevention Day 2010
Press meet, 7th September 2010
Hotline Services:4232296
Thank You !
National Association for Suicide Prevention and
Research (NASPAR)
GPO Box: 19907
Anamnagar, Kathmandu
Tel: 4232296, Fax : 4252473
Email: nasparnepal@gmail.com