137 suicides in five years

There were 137 suicides between 2013 and 2017, according to records of deaths in Malta.

The information was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday by Health Minister Chris Fearne, who was answering a question by Democratic Party leader Godfrey Farrugia.

This shows that during the five-year period, there were an average of 27 suicides per year.

Fearne said that 30 of the victims had attended the psychiatric out patients at Mater Dei Hospital, at least once between 2011 and 2017.

A study by the President’s Foundation for Social Wellbeing last year found that nearly nine out of 10 suicides in Malta were committed by men.

Mental Health Commissioner John Cachia had said that research showed Maltese men tend to hide their emotions.

Anybody needing information about mental health or wanting to talk to someone about anything on their mind can use the free-of-charge service offered by SOS Malta on the website kellimni.com or alternatively call 179.