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Brunei

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: 145
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Operated by the Talian Harapan helpline, this service provides support for individuals experiencing mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. (talihanharapan.gov.bn)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 991
    • Notes: National emergency number for immediate assistance, including mental health crises.
  1. Specialized Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +673 238 4421 ext 205
    • Hours of Operation: Office hours
    • Additional Details: Provided by Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital for specialized mental health care. (ripas.moh.gov.bn)
Suicide Prevention in Brunei

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 2.9 (2019 data). (org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: The suicide rate in Brunei has remained low compared to global averages, reflecting robust prevention measures and cultural factors.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Significantly lower but with notable concerns regarding mental health challenges.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Mental health issues are a growing concern, with societal and academic pressures cited as contributing factors.
    • Elderly (60+): Suicide rates among the elderly remain low, but loneliness and chronic illness are concerns.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Brunei has implemented various strategies to address mental health, including the Talian Harapan helpline and the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare.
  • Key Elements:
    • Mental health awareness campaigns.
    • Training programs for healthcare providers to identify and manage suicidal behavior.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: Mental health awareness initiatives by the Ministry of Health, including events during World Mental Health Day, aim to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior. (moh.gov.bn)
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • School-based programs to educate students on mental health and coping mechanisms.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships between the Ministry of Health, community organizations, and international entities like the World Health Organization to strengthen mental health services.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Mental health apps and online resources are being explored to provide accessible support for young people.
  • Community Interventions:
    • Engaging local leaders and religious groups to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Cultural and religious values in Brunei play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward mental health, often providing protective factors against suicide.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Detailed data on suicide rates within specific demographic groups, such as LGBTQIA+ populations, is limited.
  • Positive Developments:
    • The introduction of the Talian Harapan helpline and increased public awareness campaigns reflect a growing commitment to addressing mental health challenges in Brunei.

References

  1. Talian Harapan. (n.d.). Brunei’s Mental Health Helpline. Retrieved from https://www.talihanharapan.gov.bn/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Brunei – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. Ministry of Health, Brunei. (n.d.). Mental Health Awareness Programs. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.bn/
  4. Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital. (n.d.). Mental Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.ripas.moh.gov.bn/
  5. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Brunei. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/