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Myanmar

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: +95 9 765 400 200 (Mental Health Support Line – Myanmar Red Cross Society)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7
    • Additional Details: Free and confidential emotional support for individuals experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts. (redcross.org.mm)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +95 9 250 375 961 (Mental Health Assistance Program – MHAP Myanmar)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Saturday
    • Additional Details: Provides mental health and suicide prevention support.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 199 (Ambulance), 191 (Police)
    • Notes: National emergency services, but mental health response is limited.
  1. LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +95 9 420 189 998 (Colors Rainbow – LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support)
    • Hours of Operation: By appointment
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological counseling and crisis support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. (colorsrainbow.org)
Suicide Prevention in Myanmar

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 7.8 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Myanmar have been increasing, particularly among youth, conflict-affected populations, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but women experience more suicide attempts, often linked to gender-based violence and economic hardship.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Increasing suicide rates due to political instability, unemployment, and cyberbullying.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but suicide risk is linked to poverty, displacement, and chronic illnesses.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are higher in rural and conflict-affected areas due to poverty, lack of mental health services, and exposure to violence.
  1. Special Groups:
    • Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Conflict-Affected Individuals: Increased suicide risk due to trauma, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face severe discrimination, social exclusion, and high mental health challenges.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Myanmar does not have a dedicated suicide prevention policy, but mental health services are included in the National Health Plan.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expanding community mental health services.
    • Training healthcare workers in suicide risk assessment.
    • Raising awareness to reduce mental health stigma.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Save a Life Myanmar” campaign promotes suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Psychosocial Support for Conflict-Affected Individuals: Trauma counseling programs for displaced persons and refugees.
    • Youth and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Initiatives: Community organizations addressing stigma and providing crisis support.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Myanmar partners with WHO, UNICEF, and local NGOs to improve mental health services.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Mobile mental health apps offering self-help and crisis counseling.
    • Social media-based mental health awareness campaigns.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for teachers, social workers, and community leaders.
    • Peer-support networks providing psychological first aid in conflict-affected regions.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a taboo topic, often associated with religious and social stigma.
    • Many individuals seek help from traditional healers and religious leaders rather than medical professionals.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Suicide cases are likely underreported due to cultural stigma and limited healthcare infrastructure.
    • More research is needed on suicide risks among LGBTQIA+ individuals and displaced populations.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increasing efforts to integrate mental health services into community health programs.
    • New initiatives promoting suicide prevention awareness, particularly among youth.

References

  1. Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports. (n.d.). National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.mohs.gov.mm/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Myanmar – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Myanmar. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Myanmar Red Cross Society. (n.d.). Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention Services. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org.mm/
  5. Colors Rainbow Myanmar. (n.d.). LGBTQIA+ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services. Retrieved from https://www.colorsrainbow.org/
  6. UNICEF Myanmar. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/myanmar/