Suicide: The Silent Pandemic (Q&A) by Elizabeth Gerard

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 03:57:42 UTC

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Is there any correlation between suicide and social media?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 05:25:11 UTC

What is the effectiveness of suicide assessments on determining suicide risk?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 05:33:58 UTC

2021-09-25 05:42:19 UTC

How to get out from suicidal thoughts? its becoming more prominent over time.

Are there differences in suicide trends across cultures and religions? Many participants are from an ASEAN context, and talking about death and dying in this manner is so shameful.

2021-09-25 05:44:09 UTC

You mentioned suicide is partly genetic. That frightens me. Is it more biological or due to exposure of it happening in the family? If I've had a family member who committed suicide, I would like to know how I can make sure it doesnt happen again...

2021-09-25 05:51:30 UTC

Is there a way we can break the pattern from traumatised adults from harming others?

2021-09-25 05:51:47 UTC

I am a teacher, and many teachers are on this symposium. How should a school design its disciplinary procedures - as you mentioned that right at the top of events preceding suicide?

2021-09-25 05:53:49 UTC

What is the most effective way to treat depression?

2021-09-25 05:55:52 UTC

Should we blame current society standards for the causes of suicide?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 05:55:55 UTC

Is there a relationship between paraphilias that involve either the infliction or reception of pain and the concept of self-harm as an alarm bell for suicidal tendency?

2021-09-25 06:01:12 UTC

2021-09-25 06:06:25 UTC

If you are facing mental health issue (taking meds), can you advise another?

Should vulnerable individuals be allowed to take a serotonin metabolism test (ELISA) or fluorescent MRI (commonly available to public) just to allow the patient to self-assess his/her situation and seek medical attention/professional help? Aware that suicide is more than just hormones :)

lswhiteangel2021 — 2021-09-25 06:08:13 UTC

How do I know if I am suicidal or when I need to start seeking help?

2021-09-25 06:08:30 UTC

Are introvert persons more prone to mental depression and thus suicidal thoughts?

2021-09-25 06:13:31 UTC

Can threats of suicide be used as a form of genuine emotional manipulation?

johnkhong97 — 2021-09-25 06:15:55 UTC

What has been the main obstacle in preventing suicide among the drug abuser dependent people?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 06:40:38 UTC

Where can we find the current data as written on the slides?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 06:41:17 UTC

How do we break the stigma of suicide in the organization setting?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 06:47:56 UTC

Why there are people who appear to have a good balance of life (wealthy, happy family, good career) ended up with suicide?

2021-09-25 06:48:12 UTC

Would decriminalising suicide help reduce suicides?

thivyasubramaniam — 2021-09-25 06:50:07 UTC

How do we introduce psychoeducation in school? Is there an organisation a teacher can get in touch to arrange for this?

2021-09-25 06:50:20 UTC

gs60686 — 2021-09-25 06:51:11 UTC

Given that we will still be online for quite some time in schools, is there any virtual event ideas for the school community?

Do our modern society views (individualistic life, rich as success, straight A's, etc) contributes to the attempt to commit suicide by the people who can't cope with that?

2021-09-25 06:52:24 UTC

Advocacy: What is Perkama’s stand on the Decriminilistion of attempted Suicide? (It’s an offence in Malaysia - penalty of jail or fines)

2021-09-25 06:53:30 UTC

Based on the empirical study done in Malaysia what do you think the best measure and detection to intervene and address the suicide issue. Especially dealing with the stressful systems that we are facing at current. Hamidah H

2021-09-25 06:53:58 UTC

Hello Ms. Larissa, how effective the penalty (sentencing or fining) you think it is on someone's suicidal behavior? By that sense, if a person has not committed suicide successfully and will be fined or sentenced after doing it, do you think the penal code causes people to kill themselves in a way where "they will surely die"? And what are your thoughts on that?

2021-09-25 07:07:59 UTC

Are there steps to be taken when undocumented individuals need medical attention after attempting suicide, considering on top of their status, suicide is still criminalised?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 07:11:32 UTC

How can we be a part of support system that provides support to suicidal people and their families?

2021-09-25 07:17:02 UTC

Are medical professionals mandated to report suicide attempts? Are there situations when the authorities decide not to pursue prosecution?

deepagaurie3 — 2021-09-25 07:18:24 UTC

Does the Section 309 Penal Code include children/juveniles as well? If not, are there any consequences for children attempts to suicide (children means under 18)?

2021-09-25 07:19:07 UTC

In your opinion, what are the reason of criminalizing suicide attempts deterrence? (i.e the challenges and opposition we foresee in this journey)

2021-09-25 07:20:35 UTC

This can be slightly controversial, what are your thoughts on microdosing of psychedelics as a treatment to reduce psychological stress and suicidal ideations?

2021-09-25 07:23:50 UTC

What can we as mental health professionals realistically and PRACTICALLY do to help and push towards the decriminalization of suicide? (besides signing petitions)

2021-09-25 07:25:25 UTC

Above all, name it holistic approach and etc. I believe political will plays an important role at the current scenario and it must be supported by facts and figures that can be align to help everyone out there who is in need. But how far everyone is putting their efforts seriously in making things better. The school system, for instance is not conducive enough to teachers and students. Everyone aware of this but what is the ACTION in response to it? What's your insights on this Ms Larissa from your law background perspective. And what are your specific recommendations in this?

2021-09-25 07:34:32 UTC

How is Dignity equipping their teachers to address suicidal ideation and tendencies amongst students? Would you recommend the same measures nationally?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 07:55:47 UTC

How does Dignity evaluate the effectiveness of the measures the organisation has taken in preventing suicide?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 08:03:56 UTC

What is the reach of mental health access around Malaysia? Would more organizations be placed outside the Selangor/KL areas?

kellylim10 — 2021-09-25 08:19:15 UTC

What are the key areas of research that can be undertaken to shed light on the topic of suicide in marginalized groups?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 08:20:14 UTC

Among students, are there other outreach ways aside from to hotline numbers and centers as young people usually cannot travel or call on their own due to transport or device limitations?

kellylim10 — 2021-09-25 08:21:54 UTC

How do we strengthen the collaboration between social worker and educator? How do we ensure counsellors at schools have access, support and ability to help students with suicidal thoughts?

2021-09-25 08:23:01 UTC

What would be an appropriate intervention for people with urgent mental health issues that are not linked with hospitals (long waitlist etc)?

kellylim10 — 2021-09-25 08:30:40 UTC

The conversation about suicide is closely tied to assisted suicide or the topic of euthanasia (not permitted and likely never to be so in ASEAN countries). What does Camus (or other philosophers) have to say about this?

2021-09-25 08:34:12 UTC

What is a book that you would recommend for us to understand more about the pains, struggles and eventually hope in the topic of life and suicide?

2021-09-25 08:39:25 UTC

Social Work

2021-09-25 08:40:25 UTC

Thank you for the insightful sharing Prof, it was enlightening.

1. Just curious, currently in Malaysia when someone has survived a suicide attempt, what are the available legal / social services / postvention that are available to assist them in navigating legal matters, mental health intervention services, support in reintegration to the family and society? How can one go about accessing them?

2. Presently, how can one become a certified clinical social worker in Malaysia?

Thank you!

In terms of research, what are the areas of suicide to focus on that would help with better understanding suicide in Malaysia (e.g. studying culture differences, environment, education, prevention programs, family, adverse childhood experiences, social media)?

2021-09-25 08:41:29 UTC

How can someone register for the psychological first aid course and other related mental health courses that you mentioned previously?

2021-09-25 08:47:40 UTC

What are some of the main non-health sectors that we should be keeping accountable in terms of the policy reforms that impact suicide risks?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 08:54:12 UTC

Hello Dr Robert, if I may ask, how do you view suicide? What meaning can suicide bring to a person's life (if any)?

2021-09-25 08:54:46 UTC

What would be a milestone for public health in terms of mental health? What would you envision Malaysia achieve in terms of public mental health?

kellylim10 — 2021-09-25 08:58:02 UTC

What are the current trends in policy reform advocacy (related to mental health) and how can we keep policymakers accountable?

elizabethgerard — 2021-09-25 09:00:23 UTC

What possible actions can be taken to shine extra attention given to people with other illnesses, disabilities or other marginalized groups?

kellylim10 — 2021-09-25 09:01:15 UTC

In your professional experience, how have your clients responded to adopting an approach of viewing psychological distress as an important means for growth? How do you combine practical applications to overcome suicide with this philosophical approach?

2021-09-25 09:03:50 UTC

2021-09-25 09:22:09 UTC

During this Pandemic, there are many children's problems that Mother doesn't know...
And many children need help there, including economic problems, which result in children having to take to the streets to find their own economy.
And many people do not accept the existence of children who make a living on the street.
The form of attention and a helping hand from those who can afford it is what is needed.
Please, if there is a forum, these problems, especially in Indonesia, can be handled properly.

How can we overcome the shortage of mental health professionals in Malaysia? Barriers to entry for professions like clinical psychology and psychiatry are so high. Can we consider stepped-care and task-sharing approaches? Hui-En

2021-09-25 09:30:56 UTC

How can the people do to ensure that social work be highlighted and play a role in handling issues regarding suicides?

kellylim10 — 2021-09-25 09:38:24 UTC

Do you provide SEL training for those outside of Dignity? If there isn't, is it possible for you to direct me to existing training provided by other organisations?

2021-09-25 09:53:45 UTC

Can education system in Malaysia realign with the societal needs by including and talking about such topic with students in schools to raise awareness and educate them on help seeking behaviour? Thanks.

2021-09-25 10:19:16 UTC

How do we begin to collect the data and information we need to mobilise the push for action for suicide prevention on a national level?

2021-09-25 10:20:06 UTC

anneshirinpillai — 2021-09-25 10:43:38 UTC

To Dr. Guibord, I do not understand your conclusion of your presentation about "How then shall we live? Neither we know the person (the attempt suicide?) approach the struggles for growth? nor they struggled to assimilate a new reality?.." does it mean we need to respect them as a way of struggles and one of the ways of approaching life?

2021-09-25 10:56:06 UTC

How else to help an adolescent who is suicidal and self-harm almost every day due to the disturbing thoughts that she has? (Note: she is diagnosed with MDD, Anxiety distress & BPD, gone through ECT, currently taking medicines, getting help from psychologist).

2021-09-25 11:18:46 UTC

The big issue with wanting to do research with those with past suicidal attempts is very much because it is considered a crime. What is your suggestion to assure participants so that they can be a part of research?

The point you made about the authorities compassion is so valid because at the end of the day - do they lack compassion if they choose to enforce the law and fine those who have attempted suicide?

Training family medicine practioners in our local clinics is a good start, but not enough. Actually, mental health care is supposed to be integrated into all our primary care services already. However, these doctors and nurses are already overwhelmed with work. The same goes for teachers.

2021-09-25 11:47:13 UTC

What we need is a new cadre of people - such as the social prescribers in the UK's NHS. These people are able to give time to listen to those with emotional or practical struggles and link them up with the needed resources or services. https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/ (Hui-En, Malaysian CARE)