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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 33450, member: 636"] A national legislator from Banjul North has raised urgent concerns about rising suicide rates across the Gambia. Modou Lamin B. Bah highlighted three suspected suicide cases within a single week, calling for immediate national intervention. He described the incidents as more than statistics, representing devastating losses for families and communities. The Assembly member stressed how cultural barriers prevent people from seeking mental health support. Societal expectations often force individuals to hide emotional struggles, creating a dangerous silence around mental health challenges. Bah argued that current social norms discourage open discussions about psychological distress. Rights advocates and mental health professionals have joined the lawmakers' push for comprehensive action. Bah proposed a National Suicide Prevention Strategy focusing on compassionate, evidence-based approaches. He specifically recommended legal reforms to decriminalize suicide attempts, allowing people to seek help without fear of punishment. The lawmaker emphasized that reported cases likely represent only a fraction of actual suicide incidents. Many individuals continue suffering silently, hoping someone will recognize and support their emotional pain. He believes systematic changes can help address the underlying mental health crisis. Bah concluded with a passionate call for national awareness and coordinated intervention. His statement highlighted the critical need for immediate and sustained efforts to address mental health challenges. The growing number of suicide cases demands urgent and comprehensive national attention. [/QUOTE]

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