BANGKOK, 11 July 2012 -The Department of Mental Health (DMH) has disclosed that 12 people commit suicide everyday in Thailand as a result of stess caused by media over-consumption.
DMH Director Dr. Kiatipoom Wongrajit said despite frequent reports of suicide by the media recently, it does not indicate that the number has increased significantly. He urged the media not to focus only on assuming stress as a cause of death in people, but should also encourage readers to seek counselling or therapy as way out instead of taking their own lives.
Dr. Kiatipoom is concerned that frequent exposure to suicide news may lead to behavioral imitation. The DMH has proposed that a sub- committee overseeing the role of media pertaining to the mental health of the general public be established as an arm of the National Health Commission Office to present positive news conducive to good mental health of Thai people in the long run.
According to the World Health Organization, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds around the world, whereas in Thailand the number has not risen and remained at the rate of 6 per 100,000 people, or 12 people per day. Dr. Kiatipoom is urging anyone with depression or those who are experiencing mental health problems to contact 1323 hotline for free counselling.
