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‘Deaths of despair’ hike to 7 a day
View(s):2,704 suicides in 2012 ; they were unable to cope with personal issues that engulfed them and had no one to turn to
By Hansani Bandara
At least seven Sri Lankans committed suicide every day in 2012, with four times more males taking their lives than females, statistics compiled by the Police Department reveal. To date this year, 2,704 suicides have been recorded, of which, 2,092 were males and 612 females. A majority of those who committed suicide were between the ages of 15 and 45, and also above the age of 60.
With 1,121 suicides, swallowing agro chemicals such as weedicides and pesticides continues to remain the most resorted to form of suicide. Here too, the overwhelming majority of the victims were males numbering 909 and 212 females.
National Institute of Mental Health Director Dr. Jayan Mendis said that social factors such as poverty, poor living standards, breakdown of marital relationships and love affairs, and psychological factors such as depression and other psychiatric illnesses can compel people to commit suicide.
He explained that 5% of the Sri Lankan population is suffering from depression, and this has seen an increasing trend. The danger lies in the fact that 50% of people suffering from depression tend to get suicidal.
Dr. Menids said depression is a condition which should be dealt with medically, but people are often reluctant to visit a psychiatrist and get treatment due to the social stigma attached to mental illnesses. He emphasized that society needs to get rid of this mindset.
Meanwhile, a member of the Sumithrayo Sri Lanka Organisation which provides emotional support to people who are suicidal said that, apart from mental illn esses, one of the main reasons why people attempt suicide is due to the inability to cope with difficult situations. Drug and alcohol addiction is also a frequent cause.
“A person can feel suicidal due to constant exposure to distress and these reasons are what trigger the impulse. This is why it is always important to talk to someone in a situation of this kind. At Sumithrayo we have counsellors and ‘befrienders’ who lend a ear to those who despair. We listen to them and then assist them in the best possible way we can,” she said.
She said that suicide is no more a punishable offence, adding that the social perception of people who attempt suicide needs to be changed, where, rather than blaming them for the act committed, these people should be treated with care and given the assurance that they are not alone and beyond help.
She explained that the reason why more males commit suicide than females, is because women, who have stronger social networks than men, are more likely to talk about their issues. In the case of males, the tendency usually, is not to talk about their issues with others.
She further added that the best way to overcome suicidal feelings is to talk to someone, reiterating that Sumithrayo is always ready to help people in despair.
What could constitute suicidal behaviour
Suicidal behaviour may differ from person to person, but unusual behaviour such as being withdrawn or excessively animated can be an indication that something is wrong. Some people show very positive behaviour such as happiness of relief, once they have decided to commit suicide and end their pain.
Alternatively, if someone is going through emotional distress, they can feel isolated and will sometimes show anger or impatience towards people close to them. Low self esteem, being close to tears and not being able to cope with minor everyday events, are also signs that someone is struggling to cope with overwhelming feelings.
Physical symptoms such as depression and distress which include sleepiness, loss of appetite or irregular eating, stomachaches, panic attacks, low energy and loss of concentration.
Signs that someone is suicidal also include tidying up his/her affairs or expressing feelings of despair and failure.
Breaking myths relating to suicides
Myth: You have to be mentally ill to be suicidal
Most people entertain suicidal thoughts from time to time, and not all people who commit suicide have mental health problems at the time of death. The majority of people who have such problems (typically to a serious degree and often undiagnosed) do commit suicide, but feelings of despair and helplessness, are more accurate predictors of suicide.
Myth: People who talk about suicide aren’t serious, and are not likely to actually kill themselves
In most instances, people who committed suicide have told someone that life is not worth living. Some have actually said that they want to die. People may talk about suicide as a means of getting others’ attention, but it is very important that a person who says he is suicidal, is treated seriously.
Myth: If a person is serious about killing him/herself, there is nothing you can do about it
Feeling suicidal is a temporary state of mind. Whilst someone may feel low or distressed for a sustained period of time, the actual crisis can be relatively short term. Offering appropriate and timely help and emotional support to people who are experiencing deep unhappiness and distress, can reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Myth: Once a person has unsuccessfully attempted suicide, he/she is unlikely to make another
Those who have attempted suicide once, are 100 times more likely to do so again, than a person who hasn’t made a maiden attempt. About 4 out of 10 people who commit suicide have attempted it previously.
Myth: Talking about suicide is a bad idea, as it may give someone the idea to try it
Often, when someone feels suicidal, they do not want to worry or frighten others by talking about it. By asking someone directly about suicide, you give him/her permission to tell you how they feel. People who have been through such crises often say that it was a huge relief to be able to talk about their suicidal thoughts. Once someone starts talking, exploring their feelings and their worst fears, they have a greater chance of discovering better options than suicide.
Myth: People who are suicidal actually want to die
The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die, but they do not want to live the life they have. Offering emotional support and talking about other options can help people overcome suicidal tendencies, and help make the choice of living and fearlessly facing problems, other than dying.
Source- Sumithrayo Sri Lanka Organisation
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