AN MP has called for a national suicide prevention hotline to be set up in Bahrain.
Dr Masooma Abdulraheem has submitted a proposal to Parliament, stressing the need for ‘round-the-clock psychological guidance’ in the wake of rising suicides in the kingdom.
The GDN previously reported that an average of three people a month took their own lives in Bahrain last year, as the toll reached 37 reported suicides.
It is just one short of the 2018 figure, which reflected an alarming rise in the trend compared with the 16 confirmed suicide cases among expatriates in 2017.
Of the total cases in 2019, 33 were expatriates – 25 of them Indians – which compares with all 38 expats in 2018.
“These figures have increased over the years,” said Dr Abdulraheem in a written proposal submitted to Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal.
“A national suicide hotline can provide psychological guidance to people in need to prevent any behaviour that may lead to them giving up and taking their own lives.
“Experts such as psychiatrists, nurses, social workers and psychologists who have experience in the field can aid in providing the support and awareness for those in need.
“We also need to highlight that suicide is prohibited in Islam.”
Dr Abdulraheem said such life-saving efforts were implemented in other GCC and Arab countries.
She called for collaborative efforts between ministries to activate and launch this hotline.
She also stressed the need for studies to determine the reasons for suicides.
The proposal will now be referred to the Parliamentary committee concerned for further study.
The GDN reported last month that community efforts were being stepped up to tackle a possible surge in cases of depression leading to suicide among expatriates financially impacted by the pandemic.
The Indian Community Relief Fund, which operates three hotlines, has been receiving an average of two calls a day from people seeking financial and in-kind aid.
Art of Living Bahrain is also offering free online and telephone sessions to relieve stress and help support public mental well-being.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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