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About Suicidal Feelings

For many people who feel suicidal, there seems to be no other way out. Death describes their world at that moment, and the strength of their suicidal feelings should not be underestimated — they are real, powerful, and immediate. There are no magic cures.

But it is also true that:

Suicide is often a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
When we are depressed, we tend to see things through the very narrow perspective of the present moment. A week or a month later, things may look completely different.
Most people who once thought about ending their lives are now glad to be alive. They say they didn’t want to die — they just wanted to stop the pain.

The most important step is to talk to someone. People who feel suicidal should not try to cope alone. They should seek help now.

1. Talk to family or friends. Just talking to a family member, friend, or colleague can bring huge relief.

2. Talk to a Befriender. Some people cannot talk to family or friends, and some find it easier to talk to a stranger. There are Befrienders centres all over the country with volunteers trained to listen.

3. Talk to a doctor. If someone is going through a longer period of feeling low or suicidal, they may be experiencing clinical depression — a medical condition influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, which can usually be treated through therapy, medication, or both.

Time is an important factor in moving forward, but what happens in that time also matters. If you are feeling suicidal, please talk about your feelings as soon as you can.

Source: Befrienders Worldwide

Suicide in Malaysia

Suicide is a growing public health concern in Malaysia. According to the Royal Malaysia Police, 1,114 suicide cases were reported in 2024, up from 1,087 in 2023 and 981 in 2022 — a steady upward trend in recent years. The real number is likely even higher — under-reporting and gaps in how cases are tracked across police, hospitals, and forensic departments make it hard to capture the full picture in Malaysia.

In a significant policy shift, Malaysia decriminalised attempted suicide in 2023, repealing Section 309 of the Penal Code which had treated suicide attempts as a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment since the colonial era. This reform, alongside amendments to the Mental Health Act, reflects a shift from punishment to public health — aiming to encourage people to seek help rather than face legal consequences. Hear more on this shift in a BFM 89.9 interview with former Befrienders KL Chairman Justin Victor.

Studies suggest males account for nearly three-quarters of suicide cases, and adults make up the highest proportion by age group, though suicide can affect people of any age, gender, or background, as the myths below explain.

Sources: Royal Malaysia Police (via The Vibes, 2025); Malay Mail

Myths and Facts About Suicide

Credit: Kevin Caruso

Myth #1: People who talk about suicide are just trying to get attention.

FACT: People who die by suicide usually talk about it first. They are in pain and often reach out for help because they do not know what to do and have lost hope. Always take talk about suicide seriously — always.

Myth #2: Suicide always occurs without any warning signs.

FACT: There are almost always warning signs.

Myth #3: Once people decide to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do to stop them.

FACT: Suicide can be prevented. Most people who are suicidal do not want to die — they want to stop their pain.

Myth #4: Suicide only affects people of a certain gender, race, financial status, or age.

FACT: Suicide can affect anyone.

Myth #5: People who attempt suicide and survive will not attempt again.

FACT: People who have attempted suicide will sometimes make additional attempts.

Myth #6: People who attempt suicide are crazy.

FACT: They are in pain, and may have a chemical imbalance in their brain. Anyone could attempt suicide.

Myth #7: People who attempt suicide are weak.

FACT: They are in pain and may have a chemical imbalance in their brain. Many people who are considered “strong” have died by suicide.

Myth #8: People who talk about suicide are trying to manipulate others.

FACT: People who talk about suicide are in pain and need help. Telling them they “just want something” or are “trying to manipulate” is both insensitive and inaccurate. Always take talk about suicide seriously — always.

Myth #9: When people become suicidal, they will always be suicidal.

FACT: Most people are suicidal for a limited period of time. However, suicidal feelings can recur.

Myth #10: People who are suicidal definitely want to die.

FACT: The vast majority of people who are suicidal do not want to die. They want to stop their pain.

Myth #11: You should never ask someone who is suicidal if they are thinking about suicide — just talking about it will give them the idea.

FACT: Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not give them the idea. It is important to ask, because it opens the door to conversation and allows them to express some of the pain behind their feelings.

Myth #12: When someone who is suicidal feels better, they are no longer at risk.

FACT: Sometimes suicidal people feel better because they have made a decision to end their life, and feel a sense of relief that the pain will soon be over. A sudden calm can sometimes be a warning sign.

Myth #13: Young people never think about suicide — they have their whole lives ahead of them.

FACT: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people. Sometimes even children under 10 experience suicidal thoughts. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally (WHO, 2021).

Myth #14: There is little connection between alcohol or drug use and suicide.

FACT: People who die by suicide are often under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time.

Myth #15: People who are suicidal do not seek help.

FACT: Many people who are suicidal do reach out for help.

You do not have to face this alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out.
Call: +603-7627 2929 — free, confidential, 24 hours every day

If you are worried about someone, visit our I’m Worried About Someone page for guidance on how to help.