Huge potential for faith-based organisations in changing suicide narrative – Dr Pandit

The Medical Superintendent of St Giles Hospital, Dr Balram Pandit, says there is a huge potential for faith-based organisations to work with health officials in changing the narrative behind suicide.

While speaking at the World Suicide Prevention Day community engagement at the Raiwaqa Parish Hall, Dr Pandit says there are faith-based organisations that do not allow their members to take any sort of medication, and this is where leaders of faith-based organisations can come in and create awareness.

He says it is good that people are praying to the Almighty, but people must understand that whatever happens in this world, it is the design of God.

Dr Pandit adds that when health professionals and faith-based leaders work together, they can change the narrative of mental health.

National Substance Abuse Advisory Council’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor, Vilisimani Rakikau, says some views or the translation of the interpretation towards people living with mental health issues is that they are demon-possessed.

Rakikau says they have come across a lot of these cases because it has been part of their belief system.

He says faith-based schools need to be enlightened so that they can recognize and appreciate their limitations and also understand that there are certain bodies in the Ministry that can also provide help.