A non-government organisation which helps people with suicidal tendencies and provides counseling services believes cultural issues, stigma and shame are a hinderance to reducing suicides.

Executive Director of Lifeline Fiji Archana Mani appeared on FBC TV’s 4 The Record programme last night and says many of the case they respond to, could have been avoided is people didn’t feel isolated.

“Our culture is such that when it comes to issues that affect people personally, there’s a lot of demand in terms of being able to cope. So talking about suicide has a stigma attached to it in terms of being seen as a weak person. If there are family members affected by suicide again a stigma on what have they done wrong.”

President of Youth Champs 4 Mental Health Lionel Rogers also appeared on the show and says there are even situations where young boys and girls have sought help for sexual abuse but are turned away by their parents.

This has been identified as a catalyst for some young people to consider self harm.