WHY PEOPLE COMMIT SUICIDE?
WHY PEOPLE COMMIT SUICIDE?
Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions.
Many factors can increase the risk for suicide or protect against it. Suicide is connected to other forms of injury and violence. For example, people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence have a higher suicide risk. Being connected to family and community support and having easy access to health care can decrease suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Suicide rates increased 30% during the period of 2000–2018, and declined in 2019 and 2020. Suicide is a leading cause of death with over 45,979 deaths in the United States alone during 2020. This is about one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.
Suicide affects all ages. In 2020, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34.
CAUSES OF SUICIDE
· A personal history of suicide attempts
· A history of experiencing physical or sexual abuse
· Having a mental health disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder
· Having a medical condition, such as chronic pain or terminal illness, that increases the risk of depression
· Alcohol and drug misuse or abuse
· Having suicidal thoughts and access to means of suicide, such as firearms or medication
· being gay, bisexual, or transgender and experiencing discrimination or not receiving support from others
· A family history of mental illness, suicide, or substance abuse
· The initial use of some antidepressant medications, especially among children and adolescents.
WARNING SIGNS
Warning signs of suicide or suicidal thoughts among males include:
· Extreme mood swings.
· Talking about suicide, death, or dying.
· An increased use of alcohol or drugs.
· Changes to a person’s eating or sleeping habits or other aspects of their usual routine.
· Changes in personality, such as severe anxiety or feelings of hopelessness.
· Isolating oneself from others.
· Engaging in risky behaviors.
· Acquiring a firearm or other means to die by suicide.
· Giving away money or belongings.
· Saying goodbye to people as if they will not see them again.
PREVENTION
Suicide is preventable. With immediate help and professional treatment, people can learn to deal with their thoughts and feelings and manage their symptoms. They can begin to find joy and build meaningful lives.
Individuals who are not at immediate risk of suicide but are having thoughts of taking their own life should talk to someone, such as a:
· Trusted friend or family member
· Doctor
· Therapist
· Mental health professional
· Minister or other spiritual leader
How to help others
If a loved one is at immediate risk of suicide or has attempted suicide, seek emergency help by phoning the police. Do not leave the person alone until help arrives.
Those who have a loved one who displays signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors can help by:
· Asking the person if they are thinking about suicide.
· Listening to them without minimizing their concerns.
· Sharing their own concerns with the person.
· Encouraging and supporting them to seek professional help.
· Offering to accompany them to treatment.
· Trying to remove firearms and other means of suicide from their possession.
· Checking in with them regularly to see how they are.
Supporting someone at risk of suicide can be extremely draining. It is important that caregivers look after themselves too. They may need to seek support from loved ones, support organizations, and mental health professionals.
It is also important to practice good self-care, which involves eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and spending time engaging in enjoyable activities.
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