Suicide Prevention

This programme is based on the notion of a communication partner called a "befriender" - a volunteer ready and willing to "listen to people who are lonely, despairing or considering suicide. They don't judge them, don't tell them what to do. They listen. That may not sound much - but it can make the difference between life and death. People who feel suicidal are often so focused on a particular problem or pain that they find it difficult to see a way forward. Talking openly to a befriender, in a safe and confidential environment, can help. By listening to a suicidal person, a befriender helps them to listen to themselves."

As part of this programme, 250 trained befrienders visited hospitals around the country and talked with people who had attempted suicide or who were susceptible to suicide because of a recent loss. These volunteers also visited the homes of families who had been known to have suicidal tendencies. They attempted to befriend those they visited, expressing concern for their particular problems and helping them to find reasons for hope.

Suicide.

Sri Lanka is known for having one of the highest suicidal tendencies in the world. At a conference to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2004 (September 10), Sri Lanka Sumithrayo indicated that suicide rates in Sri Lanka have declined: In 1993 there were 7364 cases of suicides in the country, as compared to 4692 suicides in the year 2002. However, organisers say, these figures are still high. Furthermore, for every 10-11 people who commit suicide daily in this country, there are at least another 5 or 6 times as many who attempt it. Among the common reasons for attempting suicide are failed relationships, debt, loneliness, and failed crops due to drought. Presenters at the 2004 conference indicated that one-third of Sri Lankans feeling suicidal have been found to be alcohol dependant. Five to 10% of those who are dependent on alcohol end their lives by suicide.

In 2003, Samaritans (United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland) took on the former Befrienders International network of 401 volunteer centres in 38 countries, across 6 continents. These centres respond to those in need of emotional support in an effort to reduce the number of people who die by suicide and to enable people to explore their feelings in a confidential and non-judgmental environment. Run by trained volunteers, the centres offer services by telephone, in face-to-face meetings, by letter, and by email. Samaritans aims to facilitate ongoing exchange of knowledge and experience, to enable affiliated centres to provide effective services, and to demonstrate the potential role of volunteer listening services to external contacts.

One of the initiatives that Befrienders International launched, and that Samaritans is maintaining, is a suicide prevention web portal. Available in 15 languages, this portal offers suicide and crisis support. Sections include "Need to Talk? ["If you're feeling depressed or suicidal now and need to talk to someone, we're here to listen."], "Helping a Friend", "Suicide Myths", "Warning Signs", "Find a Helpline". Suicide statistics and general information are also offered here. To view a list of the 11 Sri Lankan centres - which are non-political, non-religious and non-sectarian - click here.