Suicides

Table of contents.
Page 1: Introduction.
Page 4: Hypothesis and objective of studies.
Page 5: Research methodology.
Page 6: Graphs and statistics.
Page 10: Results.
Page 17: Discussion.
Page 20: Conclusion.
 Introduction

“The best way out is always through.” -- Robert Frost

Suicide is ones irrational desire to kill ones self. We say that it is "irrational" because no
matter how bad a person's life is or how many problems there are, suicide is a permanent
solution to what is nearly always a temporary problem that, after some time will
eventually go away.

Suicide is a symptom and also a sign of serious depression. Depression is a treatable

disorder, but the treatment for depression takes time, energy and effort on the part of the
person who is depressed. Sometimes, the person who is depressed feels the energizing
effects of an antidepressant medication. They will still feel depressed, but have more
energy. It is during this time of treatment that many people turn to suicide and suicidal
acts. This is a very dangerous stage in that persons life.

Suicide's effects are tragic and felt long after the individual has taken their own life. It is
on of the leading cause of death amongst teenagers, and remains one of the top ten
leading causes of death well into middle-age. A person who dies by suicide leaves behind
them a family and friends full of confusion, who for a long time after try to make sense of
a senseless and purposeless act.

Committing and attempting suicide:

Most of the people, who think about committing suicide, never make a "serious" attempt
at it. There is a big difference between attempting suicide and committing suicide. Many
people in order to get attention from others just attempt suicide by taking steps that would
be dangerous to their life but would not take their life away. Where as when one commits
suicide, his intention is actually of killing himself and not getting anyone’s attention.

Risk Factors:

Suicidal behavior is very complex. The risk factors vary with age, gender, culture,
religion etc. and may even change over time. The risk factors for suicide frequently occur
in combination. Research shows that 90 percent of people who kill themselves have
depression or are suffering from some mental illness or substance abuse disorder.

Adverse life events in combination with other strong risk factors, such as depression, may
lead to suicide. Suicide and suicidal behavior, however, are not normal responses to the
stresses experienced by most people. Most people who experience one or more risk
factors do not become suicidal only a few who think that they cant take it anymore
become more prone to suicide.

Other risk factors include:

• Prior suicide attempt.

• Family history of mental or substance abuse disorder.
• Family history of suicide.
• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse.
• Firearms in the home.
• Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others.

Facts about Suicide

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is.” -- Proverbs

Men are four times more likely than woman to commit suicide, but women try to commit
suicide twice as often as men. Such attempts are often viewed as a "cry for help" rather
than an actual attempt to end the person's life.

Hanging is the most commonly-used method for committing suicide. Then poison, and
then the use of gun to end life. Seventy-three percent of all suicides are committed by
white men, and 79 percent of all firearm suicides are committed by white men. The
highest suicide rate was for white men older than 85 years of age -- 65.3 per 100,000
persons.
Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

During the last several decades, the suicide rate in young people has increased
dramatically. In 1996, suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death in 15 to 24 year olds
following unintentional injuries and homicide.

Suicide was the fourth leading cause in 10- to 14-year-olds, with 298 deaths among
18,949,000 children in this age group. For adolescents age 15 to 19, there were 1,817
deaths among 18,644,000 adolescents. The gender ratio in this age group was 5 to 1
(males: females). Among young people 20 to 24 years of age, there were 2,541 deaths
among 17,562,000 people in this age group. The gender ratio in this age group was 7 to 1
(males: females).

Attempted Suicides

Reliable scientific research has found that:

• There are an estimated eight to 25 attempted suicides to one

completion; the ratio is higher in women and youth and lower in men and
the elderly.

• The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in adults are

depression, alcohol abuse, cocaine use, and separation or divorce.

• The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are

depression, alcohol or other drug use disorder, and aggressive or
disruptive behaviors.

• The majority of suicide attempts are expressions of extreme

distress that need to be addressed, and not just a harmless bid for
attention. A suicidal person should not be left alone and needs immediate
mental health treatment.
Hypothesis

People who suffer with mental illness or anxiety attempt to commit.

Objectives of Study

• Is the depression the major reason for committing suicide

• The number of people who actually commit suicide
• Clearing the difference between committing and attempting suicide
• How can be suicide prevented
• To learn facts and figures about suicide
 Research Methodology

We interviewed 25 people at Civil and Jinnah hospital, who attempted to commit suicide.
Most of these people were poor. They didn’t understand English so we made our
questionnaire in Urdu. All of the questions were open ended.
Graphs and Statistics

What is your age ?

12
10
10
8
Number of people

8
6
6

2 1

0
under 20 20-35 35-50 50 and above
Age group

What medium did you use to commit suicide?

18
16
14
Number of people

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
took poison attempt to jump from a took a certain drug other
building or hang
yourself
Medium used
 What is your marital status?

16
14
12
number of people

10
8
6
4
2
0
s ingle m arried divorced widow
Marital status

What w ere the reasons that made you attempt sucicide?

10 9
9 8
8
Number of people

7
6 5
5
4
3 2
2 1
1
0
poverty, matrimonial property forced other
unemployment disputes inheritance marriages of
or financial disputes women
constraints
Rea sons
 Did you discuss our problem w ith anyone before attempting to
commit suicide

20
Number of people

15

10

0
Family Friends Relatives Other Did not discuss
members with anyone
W ith w hom proble m w a s discusse d

How did your family members react?

10
9
8
Number of people

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
They got angry at youThey tried to ask you They were worried as other
the problem and made condition was too
you relax critical
Fa m ily re action
 How do you feel mentally after bieng recovered?

14
12
Number of people

10
8
6
4
2
0
I am feeling better I feel I need more help and I am not feeling good
support
mental state

Do you still think of comitting suicide?

14

12

10
Number of people

0
Yes No Don't Know
Results

The reasons why someone may feel suicidal are often very complex and may be linked to
mental health conditions such as depression. But there are things that make it more likely
to have suicidal thoughts:

• Something has happened in life that has upset someone.

• Life has changed and it getting hard to cope with.
• Drinking heavily or using illegal drugs.
• Someone close has taken his or her own life.
• They are suffering from a medical condition called depression.

We found out that majority of males who attempted to commit suicide were between the
age of 20-35 and attempted suicide due to financial problems or unemployment as they
were not able to support their families.

Majority of Females who attempted to commit suicide were young girls who were forced
to get married or were already married but their in-laws were not treating them well and
therefore created disputes in her relationship with their husband.

Many of them did not discuss their mental and physical state that they were suffering
through which led them to attempt commit suicide with anyone as they were not sure if
their family members or anyone would be supportive.

There were a few cases in which people have attempted to commit suicide for second and
third time and still say that they will attempt to commit suicide again. Their families did
not disclose the reason for their attempt to commit suicide.

Sometimes there is no single, clear reason why start thinking about suicide. Some
problems or bad luck, or simply a gradual build-up of hurts and pressures over time can
wear anyone down until they start having suicidal thoughts.
Different people react to things in different ways. For some, thoughts of suicide enter
their head. Most of these people don't really want to die, but suicide may seem the only
way out from their problems or an end to the unhappiness they are feeling. In this state of
mind it is often very difficult to think clearly.

Some groups of people have a particular risk of suicide as they have unique and different
difficulties to face. For example, elderly people are more likely to have to deal with the
death of loved ones, loneliness, and ill health.

Other groups at risk include:

• Those with serious mental health problems.

• Those who may feel isolated within their society.
• Those who use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol.
• Those who have suffered sexual or physical abuse.
• Those who have attempted suicide or harmed themselves before.

Signs of Suicide

“It is common sense to take a method and try it; if it fails, admit it frankly and try
another. But above all, try something.” -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Knowing the signs of suicide may help to prevent someone from successfully committing
suicide. While knowing suicidal signs may be helpful, keep in mind that even if every
attempt is made to help prevent a suicide, the person may still be successful in carrying
out their suicide. That isn’t the fault of anyone.

The primary step in prevention of suicide is to recognize of the signs of suicide. If it is

suspected that a loved one is contemplating suicide, take the time to talk to them, tell
them that there has been a change in their behavior and that worries you.

Suicide is a serious, life-threatening issue and is not something that most people are
equipped to deal with. In many cases, you cannot simply "talk someone out of" wanting
to commit suicide without professional training. Direct that person to get professional
help.

The warning signs of suicide include:

• Withdrawal and isolation from family and peers

• Use of alcohol and drugs
• Decline in school performance
• Increased irritability
• Dramatic change in dress, activities or friends
• Giving away of possessions
• Discussion of suicide
• Changes in sleep or appetite

For older adults, signs of suicide vary somewhat, as chronic disease and illness are often
precursors to someone deciding to end their own life. In older individuals, signs of
suicide include:

• Chronic medical illness

• Loss of physical function
• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Isolation

If signs of suicide are identified, help the person in getting professional help as soon as
possible.
Facts about Suicide

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is.” -- Proverbs

Men are four times more likely than woman to commit suicide, but women try to commit
suicide twice as often as men. Such attempts are often viewed as a "cry for help" rather
than an actual attempt to end the person's life.

Hanging is the most commonly-used method for committing suicide. Then poison, and
then the use of gun to end life. Seventy-three percent of all suicides are committed by
white men, and 79 percent of all firearm suicides are committed by white men. The
highest suicide rate was for white men older than 85 years of age -- 65.3 per 100,000
persons.

Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

During the last several decades, the suicide rate in young people has increased
dramatically. In 1996, suicide was the 3rd leading cause of death in 15 to 24 year olds
following unintentional injuries and homicide.

Suicide was the fourth leading cause in 10- to 14-year-olds, with 298 deaths among
18,949,000 children in this age group. For adolescents age 15 to 19, there were 1,817
deaths among 18,644,000 adolescents. The gender ratio in this age group was 5 to 1
(males: females ). Among young people 20 to 24 years of age, there were 2,541 deaths
among 17,562,000 people in this age group. The gender ratio in this age group was 7 to 1
(males: females).

Attempted Suicides

Reliable scientific research has found that:

• There are an estimated eight to 25 attempted suicides to one

completion; the ratio is higher in women and youth and lower in men and
the elderly.
• The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in adults are
depression, alcohol abuse, cocaine use, and separation or divorce.

• The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are

depression, alcohol or other drug use disorder, and aggressive or
disruptive behaviors.

• The majority of suicide attempts are expressions of extreme

distress that need to be addressed, and not just a harmless bid for
attention. A suicidal person should not be left alone and needs immediate
mental health treatment.
Suicide Prevention

Depression is the most common reason why people have thoughts of suicide and most
suicides are linked to depression in some way. If someone is feeling depressed or suicidal
it is important that they visit their GP. They offer a range of treatments, such as
antidepressants, or 'talking therapies' like counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT).

There are things that can be done by ones self that can help fight thoughts of suicide as
well as general feelings of depression. They are intended to give ways of coping with
feelings of loneliness, unhappiness, or sadness:

• Above all, one should try to remain connected with the world around them and
avoid feelings of isolation. This is why talking to someone trustworthy about
feelings should be the first step to be taken. Keep up with friendships and
interests.
• Try to find things that will free the mind of negative thoughts. This might be
making sure that people are close, taking a hot bath, doing some deep-breathing
exercises, or treating ones self to some of their favorite food.
• Try focusing on the good things that have been done each day rather than the bad.
It may help to imagine ones self in a happy situation.
• Exercise can stimulate ones mind and body and help fight off depression.
Daylight and sunshine can help in a brighter mood so try to spend time outdoors.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. They may give a lift at first, but they can make
one feel even worse in the long run as large amounts of alcohol act as a
depressant.

Joining a self-help group is also a good idea. It can be a great relief to meet other people
who are going through the same thing. It can help if a person is feeling lonely or isolated
and show them how other people have coped. Helping to support others can make you
feel better about yourself too.
 Discussion

Suicide is the leading cause of death in the world and also Pakistan. But incidence and
pattern of suicide varies from places depending on social, cultural and religious values.

There has been an alarming increase in the number of suicides attempted and succeeded
at it. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suicide is the
third leading cause of death for 15-24 years old people. For an overwhelming majority,
depression or another psychological disorder plays a primary role.

An adolescent’s experiences and history also can increase the chance that he will attempt
suicide. For instance, a youth is at an increased risk of attempting suicide if his family has
a history of suicide, if he has previously harmed himself or attempted suicide, or if he has
run away. A young person also may attempt suicide in response to an extremely stressful
event or loss.

Because of the very real danger of suicide people should be watched closely for any signs
or thoughts of suicidal behavior. Like:
• Talking or joking about committing suicide.
• Saying things like, “I’d be better off dead,” “I wish I could disappear forever,” or
“There’s no way out.”
• Speaking positively about death or romanticizing dying (“If I died, people might
love me more”).
• Writing stories and poems about death, dying, or suicide.
• Engaging in reckless behavior or having a lot of accidents resulting in injury.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good.
• Seeking out weapons, pills, or other ways to kill themselves.

These sorts of thoughts should be taken very seriously.

Suicides can sometimes occur in clusters, in which one suicide influences other people
already at risk for suicide. It is a myth that people who talk about or attempt suicide are
just trying to get attention. In fact, those people are at high risk for a future suicide.

One reason that might be for suicide might be that with increasing urbanization a person
becomes more detached from his social group which defies his actions and might lead to
depression and then suicide.

Religious beliefs and one factor that might stop a person from committing suicide, in
Islam suicide is forbidden. It helps prevent the feeling of hopelessness and give a reason
to live.

Young women attempt suicide more often than young men, but young men use more
lethal methods. Four times more young men die from suicide than young women. In
depressed teens that use drugs and alcohol, suicide is an even greater risk. About 67% of
suicides occur between the ages of 10-29 years. Only 4% are above 50 years. The reason
for this could be because of social pressures of growing up accompanied by marital and
domestic issues in females and the economic pressures and failures to achieve life goals
and lead a good life for themselves and their families in males. Mental illness is another
factor that leads to the suicidal behavior in women. Since women in our society are
exposed to all sorts of mental torture they become more prone to mental illness.

We believe that the incidence decreases with advancing age and no cases are usually
reported above 50 years in females and above 70 years in males. The reason for this
could be the family system in which are taken care of by their children and they can relax
and enjoy their lives.

Hanging, firearms and poisoning in this order are the three most common methods of
suicide. Hanging is the most common method in many places but drinking poison is also
reported to be the most common method by many studies. Firearms are the most common
choice of committing suicide by men.
Conclusion

As the number of suicides is increasing it is important that we try to take steps towards
trying to prevent people from attempting it.
What to do?

Ask if they are depressed or thinking about suicide. Doing so does not put dangerous
thoughts into their head, but shows them that you care and that they are not alone. If you
think they might hurt themselves, don’t leave them alone. Get them the help that they
needs immediately, even if they resist. Talk to them openly and let them express their
views. Get involved in their lives. People are much less likely to have mental health and
substance use problems when they have positive activities to do and when caring people
are involved in their lives.

Teach them to choose their friends wisely and if there is any suspicion that they might be
thinking of committing suicide then monitor their activities closely to be sure they don’t
do anything that might hurt them.

Hopefully with that, in the near future the situations will improve and the number of
suicides will decrease and eventually die down.
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