Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s life which could be due to various psychological disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders and substance abuse while other risk factors include financial problems, family issues and low self-esteem. Suicide is one of the major factors influencing the increasing mortality rate across the globe. Suicide ranks the 10th leading cause of death worldwide. The most common methods used include hanging, pesticide poisoning and firearms.
Research shows that high incidence of suicide attempt occurs mostly among young people and to a lesser extent among elderly people. Individual with suicidal thoughts and those that fall victim do experience dejections from their purpose of living and feel that taking their own life would ease the pain and hence, resort to suicide.
Prevention of suicide
One of the most important approaches to preventing suicide is psychological support and adequate monitoring. Furthermore, the limitation of the availability of some of the risk factors such as drugs and social contributions can go a long way in combating suicidal thoughts among individuals at risk. Other means of preventing suicide include treatment of any mental related illness and childhood trauma. There are certain medical conditions such as chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, cancer, HIV among others in which the individual feels hopeless about their survival rate. Such individuals can be provided special care and support so as to minimize the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.
In conclusion, proper dissemination of suicidal crisis by the media should be made vital, as certain depiction of suicide may increase its occurrence. In addition, the government should endeavor to improve the economy so as to alleviate poverty. Furthermore, awareness and enlightenment on suicide should be made for the populace and individual support should be provided for those in need.