A Timeless Plague
Suicide is a devastating loss for families, circles of friends and co-workers. Almost everyone knows someone who has committed suicide but the suicide is almost never understood.
A study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women and represent 79% of suicides in the United States. Young adults in high school are likely to express a wish to harm themselves and often express this feeling through self mutilation or drug and alcohol abuse.
Untreated depression is the number one reason for suicide. Depression can be genetic or caused by negative circumstances such as divorce, death of a loved one, job loss or loss of hope. Other untreated mental disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia also cause an individual to consider or carry out suicide.
History / Legal
The legal ramifications of suicide may not escape the victim. If the suicide is proven to be assisted by another, there may be legal consequences for both parties. If a person attempts suicide and fails, there could also be consequences. Suicide is thought to be a shameful act and a crime in some cultures. In Roman times, citizens of Athens who committed suicide were denied the honor of a burial. Louis XIV issued an ordinance that any person who committed suicide was to be dragged through town face down and then placed on top of a garbage heap.
The effect of suicide is devastating on friends and family left behind. Not only is the grief of a loss hard to overcome but the family wonders how they did not know the individual was suffering. They feel hurt, remorse, anger and guilt. Many support groups have been established to assist those close to someone who committed suicide in hopes of relieving the pain and unanswered questions.
Warning Signs
The warning signs of suicide are fairly clear but one must know the individual well to know if their behavior is changing. Changes in weight and eating habits may seem subtle but loss in interest in once enjoyed activities and changing sleep habits must be noted. If an individual starts speaking often about death and their negative feelings followed by their giving away of personal belongings, a friend or family member should be alert and more observant. Reckless behavior, loss in appetite and mood changes are also symptoms of a suicidal individual. In order to prevent someone from committing suicide, a concerned friend may talk directly to the person in order to gauge their response and uncover what is happening in their mind. Avoid judgment and if the individual becomes defensive or angry, back off. Never anger someone who is having emotional difficulty or withdrawn relationships. Recommend therapy or counseling and never turn a deaf ear to him if he is willing to discuss his feelings. Stay in touch with the individual so any changes will be noted and if the help isn't enough, contact a health care professional immediately.
