Suicide

"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." - Phil Donahue

We have all heard about people who decided to commit suicide because of problems that they were unable to handle. From famous celebrities to regular, angst-ridden teens, stories of suicides have been given a regular spot on news stories nowadays.

What is suicide?
The word suicide comes from the Latin words "Sui Caedere," meaning to intentionally kill oneself. Modern medicine correlates its existence to mental health issues as well as by many psychological factors. The most common of which is the difficulty in adjusting and coping with mental disorders or depression. Cultural and social pressures at home, work, or school are also credited with reasons for committing suicide.

Throughout the world, views regarding suicide are as varied as the different races that are in existence. To say that committing suicide is morally wrong stems from the doctrines of the largest religions of the world: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism. These beliefs stress that suicide is a dishonorable act in defiance to the life that is given by a deity. In some countries, committing suicide is even considered as a grievous crime. However, it is surprising that some cultures accept suicide, but only under unusual circumstances. Thus, in Japan, the tradition of committing "seppuku", which means to avenge or protect one's honor, is a practice that is followed.

Why do people commit suicide?
Whenever we hear news about individuals committing suicide, we immediately come up with a conclusion that these people are depressed, dissatisfied, and unhappy with their lives. For a bullied student or a lonely husband left by his family, we assume that their lives have become unbearable that the only way to escape it is by dying. However, when popular and rich people commit suicide, we are left in confusion. Why would someone who is loved and idolized by many decide to kill himself?

Depression may be the main culprit, but there are a lot of things to consider as well. These include overwhelming pain, grief, and stress; some use it as an escape for their failure and shortcomings like criminals who are about to be sentenced or caught; unresolved sexual or passion issues - generally common during momentous breakups and unplanned divorces; actions against an environment that he considers to be adverse; financial loss; curiosity regarding death; mandated orders by religion; and substance abuse. 

However, there are cases where suicide is an option that is mandatory or required. Thus, most people end up sacrificing themselves to save the lives of others in unbelievable circumstances. Heroes during the wartime generally belong to this category.
   
Gender basis for committing suicide
As of today, almost a million people from around the world are listed to have died by committing suicide each year. Between men and women, it is often the men who die from suicide, while it is the women who have the most number of suicide attempts made. Although the elderly men are the ones who have the highest rate in committing suicide, attempts by young adults have increased alarmingly recently.

The methods used to commit suicide differ for both genders as well. For men, it is much more common to act by violence like using knives, guns, and even hanging for suicide attempts. On the other hand, women are known to use subtle methods like ingesting poison or overdosing on sleeping pills and other medication. 

Suicide intervention
To directly stop and prevent suicide attempts, many hotlines that help people with problems are established in many parts of the world. Most of the time, people who have made unsuccessful attempts are brought to institutions that can help them. Therapy includes continued visits to psychiatrists for mental evaluation.

Overall, it is important to understand that mental health is just as important as the physical one, and we all play a part in assisting and intervening should we know someone who is attempting to commit suicide.

Confidential telephone counselling, support and referral available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout Victoria for the cost of a local call. Phone: 1300 651 251 or go to http://www.suicidehelpline.org.au/