Suicide is a serious public health problem and one of the leading causes of deaths in the country claiming 118 lives in 2014.

Pain isn’t always obvious, but most suicidal people show some signs that they are thinking about suicide.

Rosie Catherine of Youth Champs for Mental Health says the more warning signs, the greater the risk.

‘So when someone says I’m wanting to die, I’m wanting to commit suicide, there’s no purpose for me, no one cares about me, this is overwhelming, I can’t take it anymore, and starts talking about death or giving away things, those are some signs that someone is thinking of suicide’.

Catherine says there are resources available to help you assess, intervene, and provide assistance to someone with suicidal tendencies.

‘In your network, in anyone’s network, to have a positive system where you have people you trust, and have their phone numbers if you don’t have access to a counsellor or you don’t want to call a counsellor. I know the FWCC has a 24hr helpline and they’re in Nadi, Ba, Rakiraki, Suva as well as Labasa.’

Catherine adds that suicide prevention is everyone’s business and is a topic that must be openly discussed at all levels.