Team DailyPedia
This year alone, a number of local deaths has been reported to be caused by suicide. Last March, a Fil-Am model jumped off the building from the floor she was staying in. This August, a Singaporean man also did the same thing in a building in Bonifacio Global City. On August 11, the death of Robin Williams shook the world. He was found inside his room hanged with a belt. Just recently, Banana Nite comedian Jobert Austria attempted to kill himself by jumping off a hotel building.
Based on statistics, local suicide rate alone has surged by 10 times over the last 20 years . In a study by the World Health Organization in 2000, males between 45-54 years old commit the act. And they have higher chances to commit suicide than females. But as the years progress, statistics change. Today, most suicide incidents involved younger age group.
While most suicide attempts are less likely to be fatal and make rescue possible, men are however inclined to choose violent methods such as shooting themselves, jumping down from a building, etc.
Causes:
According to Medline Plus, a service of the US National Library of Medicine, suicidal tendencies occur to people with:
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Drug or alcohol use
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Stressful life issues, such as serious financial or relationship problems
Usually, the most common underlying reason for an individual to take his own life is depression. Up to 70% of victims suffer from major depression or bipolar disorder. They think that their problem cannot be solved anymore and the feeling that everything is out of control increases their chances of doing the deed.
In a network called The Hope Line, people shared their thoughts about suicide [as quoted]:
“I feel like suicide is the only option I have left, the only chance at peace I’ll ever have. It’s as if something will always be missing and life will never be quite right.” – from a sexually abused victim
“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. My temporary problems never seem to end, but one day they might, or I might learn to handle them, and that’s what I put my hope in.”
“I think about suicide pretty much every second of the day. It seems like it’s my only choice anymore. I know it’s not the answer, but at times I just feel like I can’t move on with this life anymore.”
“Some people have suicidal thoughts because they want to escape the isolation, pain, and rejection from the environment surrounding them. Others simply feel they have reached a state of loneliness and depression in their lives to the point where their thoughts become so negative, they can’t find any other reason to live. They would rather not confront it because of the fear of hurt that comes along with it, than confront it to rebuild their lives. I feel that when you go through times of depression and think about committing suicide, God is there by your side. He will not abandon you. It is only a matter of whether you reach out to Him through prayer that you will be free from these thoughts.”
Early Warning Signs:
People who intentionally kill themselves give clear warning signs that signal their call for help:
- Previous suicide attempts
- Depression
- Sudden changes in personality
- Doesn’t show any interest in future plans
- Risk taking activities (mostly includes life and death)
- Verbal threats like “You won’t see me anymore,”You can live without me,”, Maybe I won’t be around”
Stigma:
The humiliation surrounding suicide is what prevents people from getting any support. They don’t want to be labeled as weak, coming from bad family background, or crazy, so they avoid talking about their thoughts and sharing their suicidal thoughts.
According to the British Journal of Psychiatry,
“Any approach to prevent suicide should include the removal of blame and stigmatisation of that individual and his or her family. One would hope that all teachers and professionals from the different faiths will take into account this insight into the condition. Scientific approaches and spiritual approaches can work together in order to eliminate this kind of stigma and to make people more comfortable in trying to seek help in their moments of despair.”
Families and relatives of the victim were often left with notions that it is a very selfish act. The wounds in the lives of those left behind cut deep leaving feelings of anger and guilt with most of them looking for closure about what happened.
On the other hand, people who commit suicide believe they are doing their loved ones a favor by blotting themselves out of the problem.
References
- What is the percentage of suicide in the Philippines?:http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_percentage_of_suicide_in_the_Philippines
- Suicide and suicidal behavior:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001554.htm
- Why Do People Commit Suicide?:http://www.capefearhealthyminds.org/library.cgi?article=1115921805
- Why Do People Commit Suicide?http://www.thehopeline.com/why-people-commit-suicide/
