By:
• Chhum Chantha

• September 11, 2024 , 3:15 PM

PHNOM PENH – A leading psychologist has called for improvements in mental health treatment amid a rising suicide rate. 

Suicides have increased steadily since 2016, when there were 500 reported cases, to nearly 1,000 annual cases by 2022, according to a Ministry of Interior report. The rate rose particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.

Counseling psychologist and the founder of Khmer Counselling Psycho-Education Services Hoeur Sethul said most suicides were caused by psychological problems.

A report by Our World in Data in early 2024 revealed that up to 12 percent of Cambodians suffered from mental illness, the highest rate in the ASEAN region.

Hoeur Sethul said that the significant increase was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, encompassing economic crises, social development, competition, and other complex personal problems.

“We cannot deny that when our population is growing, suicide is on the rise,” he said. “Suicide is also associated with psychological problems and the highest risk of suicide is among those with depression.” 

Hoeur Sethul said the surge in suicides is causing Cambodia to lose human resources.

“Increased human resources require time, but sudden suicide loss significantly impacts the nation's economy,” he said.

Hoeur Sethul says mental health care provided by the Ministry of Health is insufficient, urging the government to increase resources for psychiatrists and support budgets for services.

“Cambodia needs more psychiatry specialists, a budget to strengthen mental health, and legislation for managing mental health services.”

Chi Hong, Health Ministry secretary of state in charge of mental health, said tackling suicides is not the responsibility of any specific ministry, institution or organization.

Suicide prevention methods necessitate a coordinated and systematic effort to establish a robust safety net, he said.

He urged development partners and stakeholders to provide more resources for a comprehensive strategic plan for suicide prevention.

 

Originally written in Khmer for Thmey Thmey, the article is translated by Teng Yalirozy for Cambodianess.