Economic strain and mental health: The link to rising suicides

This is the second article in a five-part series on the issue of rising trend of suicide cases in Malaysia, where we speak to clinical psychologists to find out the reasons behind it and ways to cope. If you are feeling distressed, depressed or suicidal, help is available – speak to someone from Befrienders at 0376272929.

SHAH ALAM - Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed concern that recent government initiatives, such as retracting subsidies, are leading to more significant economic problems and may cause Malaysians to struggle with severe mental health issues, potentially resulting in suicide. There has been a rising trend of suicide cases in Malaysia.

Several psychologists have identified a few interconnected social and psychological factors, as well as non-suicidal self-destructive behaviours (NSSD), that contribute to the problem.

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) psychology and counselling expert Dr Fauziah Mohd Saad said that suicidal thoughts often stem from feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and overwhelming stress, which can be exacerbated by economic and social pressures.

"Prolonged economic hardship, increased living costs, and reduction in subsidies have put additional stress on individuals and families," she told Sinar Daily.

Fauziah also noted the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, including social isolation and economic uncertainty, which significantly contribute to mental health struggles.

In a related matter, the Malaysia Organisation of Psychospiritual Wellbeing deputy chairman Dr Adnan Omar cited research indicating that 10 to 15 per cent of any population, including Malaysians, experience suicidal ideation, which means thinking about suicide.

"A few suicide ideators attempt suicide, and some achieve suicide completion," he said.

He added that suicide ideation is more common than people realise, though not everyone who thinks about suicide will attempt or complete it.

Adnan examined the factors contributing to suicide ideation, attempts, and completions, noting that these factors are not the same.

"Generally, there are two kinds of factors: social and psychological," he said.

Social or structural factors include legislation, laws, family, religion, education, economy, social media, and social support.

Psychological factors involve individual perseverance, self-esteem, stress, depression, and coping mechanisms.

He said that these factors are highly interconnected, and it is too simplistic and unproductive to assume that a single factor, such as economic hardship, leads to suicide attempts.

"Some individuals may handle stress due to economic issues better or have stronger social support from family members, friends, or mental health practitioners, making the mental health journey different for everyone," he added.

Adnan also highlighted the importance of understanding the interplay and interrelationship between various factors (primary and intervening) to explain suicidal behaviour.

"Mental health is a complicated human experience that encapsulates various biological, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects," he said.

Adnan stressed the need to differentiate between NSSD and suicide to raise awareness about mental health.

"NSSD, such as cutting oneself, hitting one's head, pulling one's hair, and causing serious wounds to oneself, may look suicidal, but they are not.

"NSSD is done without the intention of ending life. It may be done to ease life pain, add meaning to life when one feels it lacks meaning, or attract attention and sympathy from others," he said.

He added that NSSD and suicide require different approaches to understanding, help, and treatment.

"Repeated NSSD, if not treated, may lead to depression and suicide," he said, highlighting NSSD as a possible cause of suicide.

Adnan also identified four common methods of suicide attempts and completions in Malaysia: jumping, hanging, ingesting poisonous substances, and drowning.