Suicide

What is suicide ?

The act of taking your own life. September the 10^th every year is the International Suicide Prevention Day

Epidemiology

According to World Health Organization, Worldwide approximately one million people  per year commit suicide . That equates to one person per 40 seconds. There has been a 60 % increase in suicide cases worldwide in the last 45 years.

According to Botswana Police report , in Botswana between 2007 and 2011 1555 people committed suicide .

Warning signs / Symptoms someone will commit suicide

It is not always obvious that someone will commit suicide however look out for the following warning signs;

• Talking about suicide or death – when someone talks about taking their own lives take them seriously.
• Getting equipment to commit suicide
• Withdrawing from social contact / isolation
• Preoccupation with death /dying /violence
• Alcohol/drug abuse
• Feeling trapped or hopeless
• Risky or self destructive behavior
• Giving away valuable belongings
• Saying goodbye to people as if they are not going to see them again
• Personality change

Risks factors for suicide

• Underlying psychiatric Disorder eg depression , bipolar affective disorder , schizophrenia
• Family history of suicide
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Feeling like you are unable to cope
• Stressful life events eg break up , loss of loved ones
• Chronic diseases eg HIV  , cancer
• Physical  or sexual abuse
• Previous attempted suicide

Suicide prevention

Self help

• GET HELP – contact any health facility , doctor , the police , tell people around you
• Get the treatment you need and follow your treatment plan
• Eliminate potential means for self harm /suicide
• Get support network – friends , family , church etc
• Remember that suicidal thoughts are temporary; if you get the help you need whatever you are going through will pass.

If you know someone who has suicidal thoughts here is how you can help them

• If anyone talks about suicide you should take them seriously
• GET HELP – contact the nearest health facility , police , family
• Remain calm
• Be supportive and caring
• Eliminate potential means of suicide or self harm

Treatment

It usually depends on the underlying cause of suicidal thoughts.

It ranges from psychotherapy, medications to addiction treatment

By;

Dr Boitumelo Pule-Kitchin