Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Post-Covid lived experiences has clearly shown that everyone either young or old, regardless of status nor gender , are vulnerable to mental health related challenges thus it means suicide related conversations should really be taken seriously especially now more than ever before.
Suicide put simply is when someone intentionally harms themselves with the intent to end their lives.
According to WHO’s publication , “Suicide worldwide in 2019” states every year more people die by suicide than other conditions like cancer, war, malaria, hiv amongst others.
In 2019 alone +700 000 people died by suicide. Having this in mind, how many people did we lose in 2020 to date- food for thought?
Why people commit suicide?
The reasons people end up opting suicide are complex and varies. These among other things include:
- Grief, could be loss of a loved one etc.
- Depression
- Intense guilt
- Shame
- Intense pain (can be physical or emotional)
- Feeling worthless as well as feeling like a burden to others
- Feeling trapped and that things will never get better
- Rage or even a desire to seek revenge
- Bullying, discrimination and abuse in all its forms
- Financial problems
- Failing to handle pressure
- Issues to do with sexuality
- Being a victim of cultural practices such as early child marriages
- Loneliness
- Failure to communicate how you feel-most common with kids eg a victim of sexual abuse
Who is at risk of suicide?
No sole factor can really predict with acute accuracy who will actually die by suicide. However, it is crucial to recognize the possible signs of suicidal ideation (thinking about committing suicide)presented by someone as this helps to understand who is at a high risk. The following pointers can be considered:
- Letters: Africa must make use of its resources
- ‘Let’s take suicide seriously’
- Pupil commits suicide over satanism taunt
- Healing our own form of bronchitis
Keep Reading
- People suffering from the stigma around mental health and reaching out for support
- People with a history of suicide attempts
- People with Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder
- Presence of chronic pain
- Family history of suicide
- Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Presence of guns or other firearms in the home
- Having recently been released from prison or jail
- Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities etc.
Warning signs of suicide
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to take one’s life for example saying, ‘kufakurinani’
- Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or even having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped, stuck or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable emotional pain or physical pain
- Talking about being a burden to other people
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Putting affairs in order, such as making a will, making it right with relative etc
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving wrecklessly say e. g. at 180 or 200km/hr
- Talking or thinking about death often e.g. when one keeps on saying when l die...
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Myths about suicide
- Asking if a person is thinking about suicide will make them end their lives
- There is nothing you can do about someone who is suicidal
- Children don't think about suicide
- Someone with their lives together do not think about suicide
- People who talk about suicide are just attention seeking
- People who take their lives are weak, cowards and selfish
- If a person attempts suicide once and survive ,they will never attempt it again
Facts about suicide
Suicide can be prevented. People can be helped
Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication and seeking therapy.
Talking about suicide is a cry for help
Everyone has the potential for suicide regardless of age, gender etc
Most suicidal individuals plan their attempt in advance and there are clues
Support
- Let them know you care, you are there and they are not alone.
- Be empathetic being aware you do not know what they are going though.
- Do not judge them
- Do not criticise them nor blame them
- Reassure them it won't last forever.
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Make sure someone is with them.
- Ask about reasons of living and dying
- Listen to them.
- Chimwanza is systemic counselor/family therapist. These weekly New Horizon articles, published in the Zimbabwe Independent, are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI Zimbabwe). — kadenge.zes@gmail.com or mobile: +263 772 382 852
