An 11-year-old girl is Fiji’s most recent suicide victim.

Police highlighted the case this week, further revealing that 12 people this year have committed suicides compared to eight for the same period last year.

Lifeline Fiji, the country’s only specific helpline for suicide prevention says there needs to be more awareness.

Director, Jeremiah Merekula says while they are under-resourced, all Fijians need to look out for the symptoms and signs when someone they know is struggling with mental health.

“If your friend or loved ones is acting you know differently from his or her’s normal ways and you know see that there is a change of behavior that you have witnessed within the past 3 or 4 weeks, please reach out to person and ask, how is she doing, how is he doing?”

Reach out and speak out Merekula says is necessary and something that all Fijians need to advocate for, be it in their homes, schools, communities or villages.

A volunteer run organization, Lifeline Fiji operates a 24/7 toll free helpline, 132 454 in which crisis support workers man the lines to assist Fijians in need.

Meanwhile, Police also recorded 16 cases of attempted suicide compared to six for the same period last year.