Strategic Public Health
Promotion, Awareness and Advocacy Campaigns
Subtheme: Using September to
reflect on the characters around suicide
1st September 2020-
30th September 2020
Topics and release dates:
1.
What is suicide? 1st September
2020-5th September 2020
2.
What are the cultural, social, economic and political significance of
suicide? 6th September 2020-12th September 2020
3.
What are the risk factors of Suicide? 13th September 2020-19th
September 2020
4.
Why is isolation, binge-drinking, irritability and feelings of
helplessness connected to suicide? 20th September 2020- 22nd
September 2020
5.
What are the signs to watch out for? 23rd
September 2020-25th September 2020
6.
How
is it that depression and suicide, are the twins? 26th September
2020
7.
What
is the big deal about untreated depression? 27th September 2020
8.
Is there a connection between Domestic Violence and Suicide? 28th
September 2020
9.
Are there cases of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Suicide? 29th September 2020
10.
Is there a connection between the Family Based Therapy Model and
suicide prevention? 30th September 2020
What is suicide?
1st September
2020-5th September 2020
Suicide, IS taking your own life and is a tragic reaction to
stressful life situations
Suicide
ideation and engaging in severe suicide ideation are common among many African persons.
But engaging in severe suicide ideation where one i prepared to plan, end their
lives, and considered their own death with concerning intensity or frequency is
dangerous. The global lifetime of considering suicide ranges between 14%-33%. A
survey in Kenya that specifically screened for more severe suicide ideation, as
opposed to more common passing thoughts about ending one’s life elicited higher
ranges. For more read: https://theconversation.com/suicide-behaviour-in-social-circles-increases-risk-for-kenyan-men-103923.
The study suggests, “efforts should
focus on group support and gratitude interventions which encourage people to
remember at least one thing they are thankful for each day by writing or
drawing it down. Gratitude intervention to improve one’s sense of meaning in
life and reduce suicidal thoughts.”
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What are the cultural, social, economic and political significance
of suicide?
6th September 2020-12th September 2020
Many cultures deter and abhor the taking of one’s own life.
The going narrative is that the one who has taken their life is a curse and they
avoid giving the person proper burial. This it is thought can be a deterrent
for any who have suicidal thoughts. The family or friends of the person who
commits suicide face stigma, discrimination and may be shunned by communities.
The mother can face stigma and discrimination even from the husband and the
relatives of the husband. This may even lead to divorce. The other relatives of
the person who commits suicide can be forced to carry the trauma of the death and
this may lead to some moving away from the familiar places of abode to go and
live elsewhere. When families are forced to move or to hide, this disrupts a
familiar lifestyle. The disrupted lifestyle may also affect the way they
sustain themselves economically.
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What are the risk factors of Suicide?
13th September 2020-19th September 2020
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Frustration
over feeling abandoned, helpless, neglected and continually belittled are said
to be some of the causes of suicide. Mental disorders—including depression,
bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety
disorders, physical disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome, and substance
abuse—including alcoholism and the use of and withdrawal from
benzodiazepines—are risk factors.
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Why is isolation, binge-drinking, irritability and feelings
of helplessness connected to suicide?
20th September 2020- 22nd September
2020
According to Suicide.org website, “Studies
show that feelings of hopelessness in conjunction with a mental disorder lead
to suicide. Two such studies were conducted at the University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine: one study tracked close to 2000 psychiatric outpatients
deemed to be at risk for suicide, and the other tracked about 200 hospitalized
psychiatric patients deemed to be at risk for suicide. After patients were
assessed, their levels of hopelessness -- based on a scale known as the
"Beck Hopelessness Scale" - were recorded. The individuals were
tracked over the next several years, and, in both studies, significantly more
suicides occurred in the group of individuals who exhibited the highest levels
of hopelessness. Thus, anyone expressing feelings of hopelessness who may be
suffering from depression or a similar disorder needs to be evaluated as soon
as possible. Effective treatment can eliminate or substantially reduce feelings
of hopelessness. Indeed, depression is highly treatable and most people who
receive treatment get better. If you feel hopeless and think that you may be
suffering from depression or a similar disorder, you need to reach out for help
- and you need to do so now.”
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What are the signs to watch
out for?
23rd September
2020-26th September 2020
According to Caruso (2020), not
all people who are suicidal show familiar signs. But it is important to note
the common signs anyway.
Suicide Warning Signs:
- Appearing depressed or sad most of the time
(Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide) - Talking or writing about death or suicide
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling helpless
- Feeling strong anger or rage
- Feeling trapped -- like there is no way out of a
situation
- Experiencing dramatic mood changes
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
- Exhibiting a change in personality
- Acting impulsively
- Losing interest in most activities
- Experiencing a change in sleeping habits
- Experiencing a change in eating habits
- Losing interest in most activities
- Performing poorly at work or in school
- Giving away prized possessions
- Writing a will
- Feeling excessive guilt or shame
- Acting recklessly
It should be noted that some people who
die by suicide do not show any suicide warning signs. But about 75 percent of
those who die by suicide do exhibit some suicide warning signs, so we need to
be aware of what the suicide warning signs are and try to spot them in people.
If we do see someone exhibiting suicide warning signs, we need to do everything
that we can to help them.
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How is it that depression and suicide, are
the twins?
26th September 2020
According to Suicide.org, it is advised
that one needs to seek support when they feel so low. It is a good health habit
to talk to someone about your worries. Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.
You are not depressed when you feel sad for a day or two; you
are depressed when you experience a prolonged period of sadness that interferes
with your ability to function. Depression occurs because of an imbalance of
chemicals in the brain. It is an illness. And it is highly treatable.
Unfortunately, many people do not receive treatment for
depression, and thus are at risk for suicide.
If you or have some of these symptoms below, please seek help
immediately:
- Feeling
sad for two or more weeks
- Feeling
lethargic -- feeling like you have no energy
- Unable
to concentrate
- Sleeping
too much or too little
- Eating
too much or too little
- Feeling
worthless
- Feeling
hopeless
- Feeling
helpless
- Feeling
negative or pessimistic
- Losing
interest in activities that you previously enjoyed
- Crying
frequently
- Withdrawing
from others
- Neglecting
personal appearance
- Feeling
angry
- Feeling
guilty
- Unable
to think clearly
- Unable
to make decisions
Basically, if "the blues" do not go away after two
weeks, you probably have depression. And you need to get treatment. So please
make an appointment with a medical doctor and a therapist so you may be rigorously
evaluated. Many people do not think of going to a medical doctor when they are
depressed, but it is an important step because there could be a physical
problem beside the chemical imbalance that is causing the depression. And
please get into therapy. If the therapist believes that you need medication, he
or she can refer you to someone.
Get help now.
Get treatment now.
Many people who have depression do not get help. So please, do
the right thing and make those appointments.
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What is the big deal about untreated
depression?
27th September 2020
Over 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a mental
illness at the time of their death.
And the most common mental illness is depression.
Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.
Untreated mental illness (including depression, bipolar
disorder, schizophrenia, and others) is the cause for most suicides.
Also, some people are genetically predisposed to depression, and
thus they may not appear to be undergoing any negative life experiences, yet
still become depressed, and may die by suicide.
So, some people die by suicide because of a depression that was
caused by genetics. You probably have heard about some individuals who died by
suicide and did not exhibit any symptoms or appear to have any serious
problems. In these cases, it is possible that the person had depression that occurred
because of this genetic factor.
It is exceedingly rare that someone dies by suicide because of
one cause. Thus, there are usually several causes, and not just one, for
suicide.
Many people die by suicide because depression is triggered by
several negative life experiences, and the person does not receive treatment –
or does not receive effective treatment – for the depression. (Some people need
to go through several treatments until they find one that works for them.)
Some of the negative life experiences that may cause depression,
and some other causes for depression, include:
- The
death of a loved one.
- A
divorce, separation, or breakup of a relationship.
- Losing
custody of children or feeling that a child custody decision is not fair.
- A
serious loss, such as a loss of a job, house, or money.
- A
serious illness.
- A
terminal illness.
- A
serious accident.
- Chronic
physical pain.
- Intense
emotional pain.
- Loss
of hope.
- Being
victimized (stigma, discrimination, gay orientation, domestic violence,
rape, assault).
- A
loved one being victimized (child murder, child molestation, kidnapping,
murder, rape, assault, etc.).
- Physical
abuse.
- Verbal
abuse.
- Sexual
abuse.
- Unresolved
abuse (of any kind) from the past.
- Feeling
"trapped" in a situation perceived as negative.
- Feeling
that things will never "get better."
- Feeling
helpless.
- Serious
legal problems, such as criminal prosecution or incarceration.
- Feeling
"taken advantage of."
- Inability
to deal with a perceived "humiliating" situation.
- Inability
to deal with a perceived "failure."
- Alcohol
abuse.
- Drug
abuse.
- A
feeling of not being accepted by family, friends, or society.
- A
horrible disappointment.
- Feeling
like one has not lived up to his or her high expectations or those of
another.
- Bullying.
(Adults, as well as children, can be bullied.)
- Low
self-esteem.
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Is there a
connection between Domestic Violence and Suicide?
28th
September 2020
There
is a connection between domestic violence and suicide. One in three women is
victimized by domestic violence at some point in her life. Only one in five
victims with physical injuries seeks medical treatment. Only about half of
domestic violence incidents are reported to police. Almost all the perpetrators
of domestic violence say that they will stop. Unfortunately, abusers do not
stop being abusive. The violence usually gets worse.
All women who are victims of
domestic violence are at risk of being murdered by their abusers. And one out
of every four women who are the victims of domestic violence attempt suicide. Domestic
violence is always wrong, and it is a crime. And there is never an excuse for
domestic violence. Never. All perpetrators of domestic violence are cowards and
criminals.
The women who are victimized by
these heinous crimes feel trapped and confused. The abuser not only physically
attacks the woman, but also psychologically attacks her. The verbal attacks are
meant to control the victim, and to try to strip her of her self-esteem,
self-confidence, and self-love. The perpetrator also often wants the woman to
believe that she is at fault for the violence and the verbal abuse.
Many
domestic violence victims try to change their behavior (even though they are
not doing anything wrong) because the horrible attacks leave them hopeless,
helpless, and confused. But there really is nothing that the victims can do to
stop the violence, because they are dealing with a selfish, cruel criminal who
does not have a conscience. All of the blame is on the criminal--the cowardly
perpetrator of the domestic violence--not on the victim.
The
horrible crime of domestic violence often results in a woman isolating herself
and becoming clinically depressed.
Many
women feel trapped and powerless, and do not receive treatment for their
depression, and thus believe that suicide is the only way out.
Also,
many children who are in households where domestic violence occurs attempt
suicide. Children are deeply affected by the physical and emotional abuse; they
too feel powerless, and oftentimes become depressed. They may seek to end their
own pain and escape from the horrors of domestic violence with dying by
suicide. If you are a victim of domestic violence, please get help immediately.
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Are
there cases of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Suicide?
29th September 2020
Yes, there are cases one can point to. LGBTIQQ
refugees in Kenya (and elsewhere) who are facing transitioning, integration and
resettlement delays due to prolonged backlog have exhibited depression. However,
support organizations such as the Nature Network Resource Center (TNNRC), HIAS,
Advocacy Network Africa (AdNetA), RISO, RefCEA, RafASA, TeamNoSleep, HOYMAS,
UHAI-EASHRI, Jinsiangu, ROSCEA, PUK, MarpsInUganda, UNHCR and many others have provided
support in many ways. There is one form called the Family Based Therapy Model (FBTM)
whose key points are: reception of LGBTIQQ refugees; treatment with
unconditional positive respectful regard; enshrining accountability for
actions; oversight committees which are a must attend; chores that promote
contribution to self and social health; promotion of quality life for all.
Caruso (2020) share some anecdotal
remarks from LGBTIQQ respondents. "I always knew that I was gay. I also
remember seeing heterosexual couples and knowing that I was not like them. I
would get very depressed about not being like other kids. Many times, I would
take a kitchen knife and press it against my chest, wondering if I should push
it all the way in," said Alex, a 14-year-old gay youth. A big number of lesbians,
gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, Intersex, Questioning, Queer (LGBTIQQ)
youths have similar feelings.
Many do not feel safe to
"come out" with their orientation because countless LGBT youths have
been rejected by their families or friends, verbally abused, physically abused,
or bullied as a result. This intolerance against the LGBT community is rooted
in ignorance. Ignorant people cannot accept others that are not like them. And
they do not understand that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people do
not "choose" their orientation -- they are born lesbian, gay,
bisexual, or transgender, just like some people are born with white skin and
others are born with black skin.
Adolescence is a difficult stage
for anyone to go through. But lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders have
the added difficulty of coping with this ignorance -- and the intolerance,
discrimination, hate and rejection that often accompanies it.
It
is difficult to fully research LGBT youth suicide because many young lesbians,
gays, bisexuals, and transgenders have not "come out." But studies
indicate that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth are up
to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. And
those who are rejected by their family are up to nine times more likely to
attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.
And
the discrimination, ignorance, and intolerance that members of the LGBT
community experience when they are young continue into adulthood.
If
you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and need help, please reach
out. There are many resources available.
And please remember that the people who are
ignorant and insensitive are the ones with the problems -- not you! Stay away
from them and surround yourself with caring and supportive people. But take
steps to protect yourself, your rights, your feelings, and your physical and
mental health.
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Is there a connection between the
Family Based Therapy Model and suicide prevention?
30th September 2020
Yes, there is a connection. By
improving self-esteem, confidence, purpose, and assertiveness it is hoped the Family
Based Therapy Model (FBTM) contributes to meaningful existence and a reduction in
suicidal tendencies. FBTM, revolves around promoting quality life through
empowering all persons to take an affirmative role in:
1.
Joining and forming solidarity or mutual benefit viable CBOs
2.
Establishing leadership structures to address internal and
external issues at hand
3.
Holding all members accountable
4.
Holding review meetings
5.
Sharing chores and making sure they are completed
6.
Designing and establishing a family model hierarchy
7.
Ensuring respectability using the four cores of: asking permission;
saying sorry; saying thank-you; and saying please.
8.
Committing to leading positive lives
9.
Sustaining the team/being a team player
10.
Reporting all cases or issues for further interventions
Conclusion:
Avoid suffering alone by creating habits
that make you amenable to upliftment and support in any way. Be part of social
activities that way, the risk of contemplating
suicide reduces because you have more connections with people, positive habits,
friends and family.
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