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More men commit suicide: Lifeline Fiji

September 11, 2019 5:04 pm

Of the 88 Fijians that committed suicide from January to August of this year, 53 were males and 35 females.

Youth Champs for Mental Health Campaigner Lionel Rogers says while the statistics are alarming, more and more men are resorting to ending their lives at their own hands.

Speaking last night at the World Suicide Prevention vigil, Rogers says the culture of silence and not expressing yourself as a male should not be something the youth of today continue.

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“More were men because of our culture that we can’t talk about our emotions, we can’t cry, why? I’m not ashamed to cry today because of the number of young people we have to put to the grave very early who won’t be able to live their dreams.”

Rogers is imploring Fijians to seek help if they feel down or feel like the pressures of life are too much.

Meanwhile, Lifeline Fiji is a suicide prevention helpline on 132 454 which is a toll-free number available with counsellors on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week.