This shows the “before and after” of a woman in Cambodia who committed suicide by hanging herself at home after a night out; drinking companions had described her as appearing “energetic and just as usual.” It is believed she took her own life under the influence of alcohol. The transformation was so drastic that one might hardly recognize her as the same person.
The Fragile State of Suicide and Mental Health in Cambodia
Suicide has become a serious social issue in Cambodia. World Bank statistics place the suicide mortality rate at 4.5 per 100,000 people as of 2021, while a WHO report records 800 deaths by suicide in 2019. Experts point to factors such as depression, heartbreak, financial hardship, work-related pressure, and family crises, yet support systems remain inadequate. Less than 10% of the population has access to mental health services; medical facilities providing mental health treatment account for only 2% of the total, and the associated budget stands at a mere 0.02% of the national budget.
In addition, local experts are sounding the alarm over the tendency of Cambodian youth to consume alcohol “like water.” Reviews of medical literature indicate that alcohol use disorder is a potent risk factor for suicidal behavior, and that acute alcohol consumption impairs rational inhibition and fosters suicidal ideation. Such structural vulnerabilities lie at the root of suicides involving alcohol use. Free, confidential suicide prevention hotlines are available locally, providing a resource for individuals to seek help rather than bearing their burdens alone.
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