http://irisjournal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IRIS-Magazine-AUG-2024-In-focus-Cover-story.pdfIn Malaysia, suicide rates have risen, with 1,087 recorded suicides in 2023, a 10% increase from the previous year. This is despite increased awareness of mental health, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. The research of Associate Professor Dr. Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences, focuses on the experiences of “Survivors of Suicide”—those who attempted suicide but survived. Her study examines their thought processes from suicide ideation to recovery.

Dr. Anasuya’s research, supported by a RM67,000 grant from the Selangor State Government, identifies three primary factors influencing suicide: internal negative states (e.g., feelings of worthlessness), one-off crisis events, and a unique phenomenon called “anticipatory hopelessness.” Her study found that most suicide attempts were stopped by external interventions, typically by friends, family, or even strangers, rather than professionals.