A growing number of children and young people in Fiji are seeking help for suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide and self-harm, with Empower Pacific reporting a 20 percent increase in referrals involving children presenting with attempted suicide and self-harm in 2025.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Empower Pacific Chief Executive Officer Patrick Morgam says the increase highlights the urgent need for early intervention and stronger mental health support for young people across the country.
According to Morgam, data from the Fiji Police Force shows that 489 lives were lost to suicide between 2020 and 2024, while 446 attempted suicides were recorded during the same period.
In 2024 alone, Fiji recorded 99 suicide deaths and 64 attempted suicides.
Young people remain particularly vulnerable, with data covering the first eight months of a recent reporting period showing 13 suicide deaths and 11 attempted suicides among those aged between 18 and 24.
Males account for about 70 percent of recorded suicide cases in Fiji, while the Western Division continues to record the highest proportion, accounting for approximately 43 percent of suicide cases and nearly half or more of recorded attempted suicides.
Morgam says Empower Pacific has also seen a significant number of children and young people seeking counselling and social support.
Between 2023 and late 2025, the organisation responded to 12,758 cases across its seven operational sites in Fiji, involving children, adolescents, young adults and families seeking assistance for a range of mental health and social issues.
He says the increase in referrals should be viewed not only as a concern but also as an indication that more young people and those around them are recognising the importance of seeking help.
He says these referrals come through hospitals, schools, communities, families and Empower Pacific’s 24/7 counselling helpline.
Morgam says Empower Pacific’s 24/7 helpline has also experienced increasing demand, with counsellors and social workers managing numerous calls during periods of heightened stress.
He says young people rarely seek help because of a single issue, with many experiencing a combination of emotional, social and environmental pressures.
These include depression, anxiety, stress, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, as well as family conflict, domestic violence, neglect, substance abuse, bullying, cyberbullying and academic pressure.
He says trauma resulting from physical or sexual abuse, grief, loss and exposure to violence is also among the issues faced by young people seeking support.
Morgam says creating safe spaces where young people feel heard and supported is critical.
If you are facing issues and would like to speak to a counsellor, then you can call Empower Pacific toll free number 5626.
