September Month: Suicide Prevention

 

Strategic Public Health Promotion, Awareness and Advocacy Campaigns

 Theme: Suicide Prevention, Postvention and Mitigation

Subtheme: Using September to reflect on the characters around suicide

1^st September 2020- 30^th September 2020

Topics and release dates:

1.   What is suicide? 1^st September 2020-5^th September 2020

2.   What are the cultural, social, economic and political significance of suicide? 6^th September 2020-12^th September 2020

3.   What are the risk factors of Suicide? 13^th September 2020-19^th September 2020

4.   Why is isolation, binge-drinking, irritability and feelings of helplessness connected to suicide? 20^th September 2020- 22^nd September 2020

5.   What are the signs to watch out for? 23^rd September 2020-25^th September 2020

6.   How is it that depression and suicide, are the twins? 26^th September 2020

7.   What is the big deal about untreated depression? 27^th September 2020

8.   Is there a connection between Domestic Violence and Suicide? 28^th September 2020

9.   Are there cases of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Suicide? 29^th September 2020

10.                Is there a connection between the Family Based Therapy Model and suicide prevention? 30^th September 2020

 

What is suicide?

1^st September 2020-5^th 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?

6^th September 2020-12^th 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?

13^th September 2020-19^th 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?

20^th September 2020- 22^nd 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?

23^rd September 2020-26^th 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?

26^th 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?

27^th 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?

28^th 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?

29^th 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?

30^th 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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