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Recognising warning signs can save lives: Befrienders

Recognising warning signs can save lives: Befrienders

Daily Express07-05-2025

Published on: Wednesday, May 07, 2025
Published on: Wed, May 07, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Befrienders Kota Kinabalu expressed deep concern over recent suicide reports in Tawau and other parts of Sabah, calling for collective, compassionate efforts to address what it describes as a preventable tragedy. The NGO emphasised that suicide often stems from untreated mental health issues or emotional pain, urging the public to recognise warning signs such as withdrawal, mood swings, or talk of death. Having supported distressed individuals in Sabah for 18 years, Befrienders highlighted the life-saving power of early intervention and emotional support via their helpline. To equip the public with skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviours, Befrienders is holding a suicide prevention training on May 11 and 12, and invites volunteers or interested individuals to join. The group also called on authorities, media, and civil society to break stigma, promote mental health education, and report suicide ethically, reminding those in distress that support and hope are always within reach. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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