The Facts and Characteristic of Sucide among different demographics

Suicide is the act of deliberately killing oneself. This can be active suicide where one actively does something to end their life, like overdosing or shooting themselves. It could also be passive suicide where someone does something indirectly that is likely to cause death. This could be drug abuse, failing to treat a physical illness, and high risk sports.

It is estimated that 1 million people in the world commit suicide each year. 12 to 25 suicides are attempted for every one that succeeds. Suicide rates have apparently increased by 60% in the world in the last 45 years. South Korea recently surpassed Japan in having the highest suicide rate among the industrialized world. Only Guyana, Hungary, Slovenia and countries in the former USSR have higher suicide rates than South Korea.

Death by active suicide was the 10th cause of death in the United Sates of America in 2007. It is the 2nd leading cause of death among 25-34 years, and the 3rd leading cause of death among teenagers. Elderly adults male, 65 and above have for a long time had the highest rate of suicide in the USA although it seems the adolescent rates has surpassed this group.

Theories on why people commit succeed

Different theories offer different explanations as to why people commit suicide. According Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, a person kills themselves in order to murder the image of the love-hated father or mother. A behaviorist theorist believes that a person kills themselves because of inadequate reinforcement.

The humanist and existentialist whose philosophy is based on the meaning of life, believe that people commit suicide when they lose the meaning and purpose of life. Sociologist on the other hand believe that suicide is precipitated by environmental factors such as urbanization, poverty, racism, sexism, corporate exploitation of individuals among such social issues.

The medical view is that suicide is caused by chemical imbalances producing emotional and psychological instability. The Television has also been named as a cause for suicide because studies have shown that suicides, motor accidents and many non fatal accidents occur immediately after the showing of soap opera’s.

Statistical Reasons for Suicide

Research shows that 10% of those who commit suicide do so for no apparent reason. Unfortunately once they are dead they cannot elucidate why they did it. Another 25% commit suicide because they have a preexisting mental instability. In this group will be those with schizophrenia. About 40% commit suicide on impulse. They will most probably be going through a crisis and lack coping skills. This is the group that is most likely to call for help.

Another group commits suicide because they have depressive suicide. This kind of person has a high level of unacceptable rage which eventually becomes repressed and turned in against self in suicide. Not only is this person suicidal, but is also homicidal and may be the person least suspected by anyone.

Another group commits suicide to relieve pain or as a revenge against the offending person. 25% will have premeditated thoughts of suicide and will weigh the pros and cons and then actively decide to commit suicide.

Myths about Suicide

1) One of the myths is that talking about Suicide causes suicide by planting the idea in a person’s head. The fact of the matter is that a person who is suicidal is already thinking about it. Talking about it helps them diffuse the tension that is causing them to be suicidal. It also helps you understand their frame of mind and can thus intervene appropriately.

2) Another myth is that once a person is suicidal , they will forever be suicidal. The fact of the matter is most people are suicidal for a limited period of time when circumstances in their life seem overwhelming. However, suicidal feelings can recur in the future if they do not learn of better coping skills.

3) Another myth is that depression and suicide are synonymous. While people who are depressed may have a death wish, this is only because they are hurting. Depression is manageable and that is why it is important to seek help when depressed.

High risk for suicide
Be alert when someone communicates their intention to die. 80% of those who attempt suicide communicate directly or indirectly of their intention . Some may utter words like “ I want to go to sleep and never wake up” , “I wish I had never been born” or “you’ll be sorry when I am gone”.

Matters that add the risk for suicide
a) A close friend of family member having committed suicide, b) Alcohol and drug abuse increase the risk, c) Experiencing divorce, d) Physical disability, e) Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, f) A specific suicide plan, e) Mental instability

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