What is Suicide? Over the past few years, suicide has emerged as a
Depression: this is the most common cause of
leading cause of death. Suicide is nothing new to
suicide amongst individuals. This is so, because
our society: it has manifested its ugly head
individuals become hopeless and have negative
throughout the ages. Suicide is the intentional act
beliefs while experiencing negative or pervasive
of killing oneself. The mere definition of the word
suffering. Depression leads people to focus mostly
is not amusing. Few publications on the issue in
on failures and disappointments, to emphasize the
the Caribbean are available – yet, the CARICOM
negative side of their situations, and to downplay
is host to two countries which have been featured
their own capabilities or worth. Sufferers are
in the world’s top ten suicide list for 2012, Guyana
unable to see the possibility of a good outcome.
and Suriname (Jamaica Observer, 2014). Research has also shown that most suicide cases occur among young people between the ages of 15 and 24. This suggests that suicide is a growing problem in
Psychosis: these individuals believe that they hear malicious or evil voices persuading them to commit suicide for intelligible reasons.
addressed
Being impulsive: this is mostly common in
with practical, realistic advice that if followed, can
alcoholics and drug addicts. When drunk or high,
gradually reduce the acts of this evil. This article
they tend to be very emotional and impulsive and
is geared towards taking a more in-depth look at
are more likely to commit suicide.
suicide, particularly its causes, warning signs,
Attention seekers: these individuals practice
coping strategies and how to respond to someone
suicidal threats to raise the attention of others that
who may be suicidal.
something is seriously wrong with them, which
our
region
and
needs
to
be
Causes of suicide Most people can put their problems in perspective and find a way to carry on with hope. So why does one person try suicide when another person in the same tough situation does not?
they believe is the only way to get their attention. Sometimes, they have no intention of killing themselves and may think that their suicidal methods are harmless but unfortunately they are misinformed. There are some cases where individuals accidentally kill themselves.
What to do if you suspect your friend/loved one is suicidal Firstly, learn to recognize suicidal warning signs: Has your
Engage in conversation with your friend and find out what's
friend talked about feeling hopeless or anxious? Have you
hurting them, gradually shifting the focus from sources of
noticed a change in your friend's behaviour? Is he or she
pain to resources for treatment. In addition to external
acting dejected and showing signs of withdrawal? If this is
challenges, your friend or family member might also be
true with your friend then take heed, these are common
fighting internal demons such as depression, anxiety and
signs of suicide.
other mood disorders that may require professional help. As
Life can be complicated and overwhelming at the best of
unusual as this may sound, these mood disorders are often
times, even more so when situations seem hopeless and
present in many suicidal patients. Most professionals are
unfair. If your friend or family member is suspected to be
competent enough to diagnose and treat these illnesses so, be
suicidal or mention their suicidal thoughts to you, take them
conscious of this resource and encourage your loved one to
seriously. If you believe that they're in immediate danger,
seek help. Offer to work with them to locate a reputable
without hesitation call the relevant authorities such as a
mental health professional or clinic. At this stage it is
counsellor, a pastor or a social worker. You may think twice
recommended that you inform and involve their family
before being so ‘drastic’, but remember that the person's life
members. In recovery, they would need the support from
is more important than their privacy at this stage. Even if a
their family so, be mindful.
friend or classmate swears you to secrecy, you must get help
After contacting the relevant help, it is advisable to stay
as soon as possible. You may also take the following
connected, your presence and concern would mean a lot to
approaches:
your friend on the path to healing and can hasten this process. You can also encourage other friends, roommates, a
Initiate a non-judgmental dialogue: sit the person down
pastor and family members to check in on your friend during
in a comfortable environment where the two of you can
this vulnerable time. The recovery phase is an especially
talk privately - not somewhere isolated, just a place that
important phase since, many suicides occur in this period. In
is comfortable and familiar. Start by telling them how
addition, you can do your own independent research to find
much you care about them and how their unusual
more resources that can proper equip with information on
behaviours have concerned you. If he/she confides in
how to deal with suicidal persons.
you their thoughts of suicide, be compassionate and make it known that you're there to listen. Don't aim to change their mind, start an argument or give advice.
what if it’s you? If you have been thinking about suicide, get help now. Depression is powerful. You can't wait and hope that your mood might improve. When a person has been feeling down for a long time, it's hard to step back and be objective. Talk to someone you trust as soon as you can. If you can't talk to a parent, talk to a coach, a relative, a school counsellor, a religious leader, a teacher or your local emergency number (9-1-1). How should you cope?
Tell someone you trust what's going on with you;
Be around people who are caring and positive;
Ask someone to help you figure out what to do about a problem you're facing;
Work with a therapist or counsellor if problems are getting you down and depressed - or if you don't have a strong support network or feel you can't cope.
Remember, don’t keep it all to yourself. When a balloon has too much air, it bursts. It’s okay to cry. Take part in other activities such as sports,
A message brought to you by:
listening to music that will keep you calm or join a community group.
The CARICOM Youth Ambassadors’ (S.V.G.) Committee
Going to the beach, have some good laughs with friends. Drinking a lot of
Contributions made by:
water and coconut water helps keep you fresh and revived. Lastly, if it's something negative that is a bother to you and can be avoided...avoid it.
Dexter Whinfield J’nee Francois E-mail: caricomyouthsvg@gmail.com Facebook: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors SVG Twitter: @cyasvg