As many as 466 suicide deaths were recorded in Moldova last year, show data published by the National Public Health Agency in connection with World Suicide Prevention Day that is celebrated on September 10. Out of these, 381 cases occurred among men, while 85 among women. The risk groups include persons who are in crisis situations, who cannot handle the experienced problems, including financial losses, breakups, disease or chronic pain, who went through armed conflicts, natural disasters, refugees, migrants and detainees, IPN reports.
“There is a well-argued connection between suicide and mental health problems, such as depression, addiction and others. Respectively, the role of the community mental health services is crucial in preventing and treating mental health problems among the population. However, we will achieve favorable and sustainable results in this regard only when suicide prevention becomes a multi-sector priority, with the involvement of the local and central public authorities, the mass media and each of us,” said Victoria Condrat, local manager of the Moldovan-Swiss project Mensana – “Support for the Reform of Mental Health Services in Moldova”.
If a close person experiences a difficult situation, it is important to take the warning signals into account. It goes to the public suicide threat, attempt to obtain lethal suicide means or, for example, when the person tells that he/she no longer has hope or reason to live. Also, the predisposed persons are angry or hostile and believe that they are a burden for the others, etc.
These persons can confidently go to the closest Community Mental Health Center where they will receive specialized aid. In the Republic of Moldova, there are 40 such centers that operate in each district and municipality. They offer psychiatric, psychological consultations, assistance in treatment of mental health disorders and recovery to persons of any age.
The network of Community Mental Health Center was created and developed as part of the reform of mental health services. Since 2014, the reformation process has been facilitated by the Moldovan-Swiss project Mensana – “Support for the Reform of Mental Health Services in Moldova”, according to the needs identified by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova.
