Darsha, Yuga, Shaam Sociolinguistic

Title : Rise of suicide case among teenagers in Malaysia

Background :

The alarming trend of youth suicide cases in Malaysia demands investigation and intervention.
While it's critical to handle this subject delicately, it's also critical to comprehend the underlying
causes of this alarming trend. The rise in teenage suicide cases in Malaysia could be attributed
to a number of different variables. The rise in teenage suicide cases in Malaysia could be
attributed to a number of different variables.

Objectives :

1) To know and analysis about the causes and effects of suicides

2) To create awareness among teenagers
3) To find a solution that suicide is not answer for the problems.

Introduction

Suicide is a complex and tragic phenomenon that involves the intentional taking of one’s own
life. It is a global public health concern that affects individuals, families, and communities
across various socio-economic and cultural contexts. The reasons behind suicide are
multifaceted, often arising from a combination of mental health challenges, environmental
stressors, and individual factors. Understanding and addressing suicide requires a
comprehensive approach that encompasses mental health awareness, destigmatization, access
to quality mental health care, and community support. The impact of suicide is profound, not
only on the individual involved but also on the people left behind, who may grapple with grief,
guilt, and a range of emotions.

Efforts to prevent suicide involve raising awareness about mental health, providing resources
for those in crisis, and fostering supportive environments that encourage open conversations
about mental well-being. Additionally, research into the underlying causes and risk factors of
suicide is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. It is essential to approach
discussions about suicide is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. It is essential
to approach discussions about suicide with empathy, sensitivity, and a commitment to promote
mental health awareness and support. While the topic is challenging, addressing it openly and
constructively is vital to reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking behavior, and ultimately
saving lives.

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Several factors contribute to the rising number of suicide cases, including social, economic,
and psychological factors. The main factor is stigma around Mental Health. In many cultures,
there is a stigma attached to mental health issues, making it challenging for individuals to seek
help. This stigma can prevent people from discussing their mental health struggles openly and
seeking appropriate support. Second is social and economic factors. Economic challenges,
unemployment, and financial stress can contribute to mental health issues, increasing the risk
of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Social issues such as isolation, loneliness and
discrimination can also play a role.

How about the access to mental health services? Limited access to mental health services,
including counseling and therapy, can hinder individuals from getting the help they need.
Awareness and availability of mental health resources are crucial in addressing this issue.
Additionally, cultural factors can influence the perception of mental health and the willingness
to seek help. Cultural norms that discourage open discussion about mental health or seeking
professional assistance can contribute to the problem. Lastly, the presence of untreated or
undiagnosed mental health disorders, such as depression, or bipolar disorder, can significantly
increase the risk of suicide.

Finally, it is essential for society to address these factors through increased awareness,
education, and improved access to mental health services. Governments, communities, and
individuals need to work collaboratively to create an environment that supports mental well-
being and reduces the stigma associated with seeking help for mental issues.

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Literature Review and Methodology

The increasing trend of teenage suicide cases has become an urgent global concern, leading
academics to investigate the multifaceted variables that contribute to this rise. The body of
research on the subject reveals several important aspects that illuminate the complex nature of
adolescent suicides. First is, stress in the classroom and mental health. Several research papers
highlight the link between teenage mental health vulnerability and academic pressure. Suicidal
thoughts have been linked to academic pressures such as the quest of perfection, competitive
situations, and high expectations. Studies highlight the necessity for educational establishments
to embrace comprehensive strategies that give students' mental health priority.

Then, social media's effects. In modern literature, the impact of social media on adolescent
suicides is a common issue. Cyberbullying, excessive social media use, and the upholding of
unattainable standards all lead to kids feeling alone and inadequate. Academics stress the value
of online support groups and digital literacy initiatives in reducing the detrimental effects of
social media on the mental health of teenagers. In addition to this, support systems and family
dynamics. The intricacies of a teen's family greatly influence their mental health. Research
indicates that relationships that are strained, dysfunctional family circumstances, and a lack of
emotional support can all dramatically increase a person's risk of suicide. Given the critical
role that family plays in a teen's life, family bonding and communication are frequently the
main goals of treatments.

Then, stigma around mental health and help seeking behavior. The persistent difficulty of
stigmatization surrounding mental health concerns prevents teenagers from getting the
treatment they need. Studies support the de-stigmatization of mental health, the raising of
awareness, and the inclusion of mental health education in school curricula. Developing
successful intervention tactics requires an understanding of the obstacles to getting treatment.

Then, differences in Gender. The literature frequently addresses the gender differences in
adolescent suicide rates. Research frequently examine the differences between male and female
teenagers in terms of risk factors, coping strategies, and the way mental health concerns
present. Developing solutions that specifically address the needs of both genders requires a
comprehensive understanding of gender-specific problems. Then, cultural affects.
Understanding teen suicides is greatly influenced by cultural variables. To create culturally
appropriate interventions, differences in society expectations, coping strategies, and attitudes
toward mental health are investigated. Developing culturally sensitive preventative

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interventions that work for a range of adolescent populations requires an understanding of the
cultural context.

Peer interactions and Bullying. A recurrent theme in the literature is investigating how peer
interactions and bullying affect adolescent suicides. Teenagers' vulnerability has been found to
be significantly influenced by peer interaction dynamics, such as peer pressure, bullying, and
social exclusion. It is essential to comprehend the complexities of these interactions in order to
create preventative tactics that encourage healthy peer relationships and deter negative conduct.

Limited Access to Mental Health Services. The literature highlights restricted access to mental
health services as a crucial factor. Teens who face obstacles like lack of understanding,
budgetary limitations, and regional differences are unable to get timely and appropriate support.
The body of literature advocates for increased accessibility to mental health treatments,
emphasizing school-based counselling programs and community-based projects. Cultural
Influences. Understanding adolescent suicides is greatly influenced by cultural influences. To
create culturally appropriate interventions, differences in society expectations, coping
strategies, and attitudes toward mental health are investigated. Developing culturally sensitive
preventative interventions that work for a range of adolescent populations requires an
understanding of the cultural context.

Complicated and multidimensional social topic, suicide has received a lot of attention in the
literature. Numerous elements, such as mental health conditions, social stigma, and
environmental stresses, have been investigated by researchers as potential contributors to
suicidal behaviours. Research emphasizes the value of early detection and intervention and the
necessity of easily available mental health care. Furthermore, research highlights the
importance of social support networks in preventing suicide since close relationships with
family and friends can act as buffers. Effective preventive and intervention measures continue
to be difficult to develop, despite continuous efforts to better understand and treat suicide.
Moreover, a recent body of study has focused on the influence of socioeconomic and cultural
factors on suicide rates. Research examines how societal perceptions of mental health and
economic.

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Findings

I have found some articles regarding to the suicide case. Here are the articles and the
summaries:

ARTICLE 1: Girl leaving ‘suicide’ note before allegedly leaping off her flat.

NEWSPAPER: New Straits Times

PUBLISHED BY: Kalbana Perimbanayagam

DATE: 30th January 2023

SUBANG JAYA: A 13-year old girl allegedly jumped from the sixth floor of an apartment
building in Puchong Utama, here last night. The 11.20pm incident allegedly occurred after the
girl's mother scolded her for having a mobile phone without her permission. It is learned that
prior to taking her own life, the Form One student had written down her intentions to kill herself
in a few pieces of paper that police later found in her house. The girl, who is also the eldest of
three siblings, is said to have leaped from a window in her flat's kitchen, before she landed on
ground floor.

She was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics who rushed to the scene. Subang Jaya
Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Azlan Wan Mamat said police were alerted of the
incident by the public who called them at 11.21pm. "A team of investigators rushed to the scene
and found the girl sprawled in a pool of blood below her residential block. Following checks
at her house, police found several handwritten notes from her saying she wanted to commit
suicide. "In the notes the girl wrote she could no longer take the pressure and stress given by
her family members and that is the reason why she wanted to end his life. Preliminary
investigation showed that prior to the incident, the deceased mother had scolded her for owning
a mobile phone without her permission and for going out at night often" he said. Wan Azlan

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said initial investigation did not show any foul play. "Police have classified the case as sudden
death and investigation is still ongoing. Her body has been sent to the Serdang Hospital for a
postmortem," he said. Wan Azlan said anyone who witnessed the incident can come forward
and channel any information about the case by calling 03-78627100 (Subang Jaya District
Control Centre).

Note: This picture is not related to the real story

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ARTICLE 2: Kelantan to install nets at bridges to stop suicides

NEWSPAPER: New Straits Times

PUBLISHED BY: Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah

DATE: 24th January 2024

PASIR MAS: The state government is planning to install nets along the six bridges in the state
where 17 people have committed suicide by jumping off. Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd
Nassuruddin Daud said the matter, however, was still under discussion with the relevant
quarters. Apart from that, he said the state government would also hold special prayers on one
of the six bridges to seek Allah's protection.

He added that the special prayers would be conducted on the Tendong bridge here on Feb 5.
"The state government is taking seriously such incidents involving the people in the state. "This
kind of act is prohibited not only to Muslims but also (some other religions). Ending life in this
kind of way will not solve the problem.

"Therefore, the state government will find a solution to put a stop to this issue, including the
installation of the nets to prevent people from jumping off the bridge," he told reporters after
handing over donations from Yayasan Sultan Kelantan to 500 flood victims here today. It was
reported that 17 cases of suicides involving people jumping off bridges in the state were

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recorded by the Fire and Rescue Department in the past three years. Of these, one person was
rescued, another was never found while the remainder had died.

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Discussion

The number of suicide cases increasing day by day among teenagers. To identify the
underlying factors and create workable solutions, the growing number of teenage suicide cases
in Malaysia must be thoroughly examined. Although every instance is different and affected
by specific circumstances, this worrying trend is largely caused by a few common elements.
The first can be academic pressure. One of the main sources of stress for Malaysian youths is
the enormous pressure to perform well academically. Some teenagers consider suicide because
of the pressure placed on them to achieve excellent grades and to live up to social and parental
expectations, which can cause extreme stress and feelings of inadequacy. The next is social
isolation. A lack of significant relationships and social isolation affect a large number of
Malaysian youths. Peer pressure, bullying, and relationship troubles are a few examples of
factors that might exacerbate emotions of hopelessness and loneliness, which raises the
possibility of suicide thoughts. Then, mental health challenges. Teen suicide risk can be greatly
increased by undiagnosed or untreated mental health illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and
personality disorders. The issue is made worse by low knowledge, stigma, and insufficient
mental health treatment. In Malaysia, there is a general lack of knowledge and awareness
regarding mental health concerns and suicide prevention. As a result, teens who could be
experiencing emotional difficulties do not have access to early intervention or support
networks. Examples of teenage suicide in Malaysia provide as additional evidence of how
urgent it is to solve this problem. These situations include people who have been bullied,
struggled with mental health issues, had relationship issues, or were overburdened by social
and academic demands.

To reduce the suicide cases, we have taken a serious decision in our government. I think
education and awareness can be one of the important ways to reduce suicide cases. To improve
knowledge of mental health concerns, lessen stigma, and support early intervention, support
mental health awareness programmes in communities, colleges, and schools. Accessible Then,
mental health services. Increase the accessibility and availability of mental health services in
communities and schools, including counselling and treatment. This guarantees teenagers easy
access to medical care when they need it. Parent and teacher involvement have candid
discussions with parents and teachers regarding mental health, suicide prevention, and the
value of early detection. Teens can benefit from this by building a support system and prompt

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intervention. By targeting the root reasons and putting preventive measures in place, we may
endeavour to build a society that prioritises the mental health of our youth and drastically
lowers the number of suicide occurrences. It is critical to keep in mind that, by working
together, we can positively influence the lives of our young people and that each of us has a
part to play in assisting and safeguarding them.

While it is impossible to pinpoint a precise time frame for the decline in adolescent suicide
cases, it is imperative that this problem be approached with commitment and a long-term view.
A thorough and multifaceted strategy is needed to prevent suicide, one that addresses the root
reasons, raises public awareness of mental health issues, and offers readily available support
networks. It is a shared duty that calls for the participation of parents, teachers, medical
professionals, legislators, and the general public. Teenage suicide instances can be significantly
decreased by putting into practice proactive prevention techniques such early identification,
intervention programmes, and support networks. It's crucial to understand that this is a
continual process that calls for constant work, modification, and advancement. It is critical to
promote a culture of empathy, compassion, and support where people feel comfortable asking
for help and mental health is valued. By means of education, consciousness, and cooperation,
we can provide a setting that gives teens agency, gives them coping skills, and gives them the
tools they need to deal with life's obstacles. Although a total eradication of teen suicide
instances may not be achievable, we can strive towards a future in which the number of
occurrences will be greatly less. Every life saved is a victory, and if society unites, we can make
a difference and give our children a better and healthier world.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the surge in youth suicide cases in Malaysia is a grave worry that has to be
addressed right away. This worrying trend is caused by a variety of intricate and
multidimensional reasons, such as lack of knowledge and support networks, social isolation,
mental health issues, and academic demands. It is important that all parties involved—parents,
educators, and medical professionals, join to tackle this problem from all angles. I can say that
the public needs to be made aware of the warning signs and symptoms of mental health
problems and suicide thoughts, especially parents and educators. This could potentially save
lives by enabling early detection and intervention. Improving mental health services is, in my
opinion, one way to lower the number of suicides in Malaysia. Mental health treatments, such
as counselling and therapy, should be easily accessible and reasonably priced in communities
and schools. Teens will have a safe place to ask for assistance and get it thanks to this. Next,
encouraging candid communication. Promoting candid discussions about mental health issues
and suicide can lessen stigma and foster a caring atmosphere. To promote empathy and
understanding, communities and schools could host workshops, awareness campaigns, and
support groups. Moreover, developing a complete support system requires cooperation between
educational institutions, medical professionals, and mental health organisations. Together, we
can create early intervention programmes, referral networks, and successful preventative
initiatives.

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References

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