World Suicide Prevention Day: 7 Causes of Suicide You Didn’t Know
September 10, 2019 15:15
September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day across the globe every year in order to provide commitment and action to prevent suicides. Every day we light upon a number of suicidal deaths but every time we pay little or no heed to reasons behind the person committing suicide.
Every year, about 1 million adults report making a suicide attempt, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While across the world, around 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
While depression is believed to be a reason in many suicide cases, it must be noted not all suicide victims were depressed. Other factors can also make a person take their own life.
Below are some of the reasons that make people kill themselves:
1. Depression
Depression should never be taken lightly. Mental health disorder makes people take extreme steps like committing suicide. Severe depression is accompanied by a prevalent sense of suffering as well as the belief that getting away from it is beyond hope. The pain of existence often turns out to be intolerable for severely depressed people.
2. Partner’s Death
Death of a spouse or beau sometimes affects a person in profound ways than one thinks. According to a study, the recent loss of a spouse is a significant risk factor for depression in elderly patients which may sometimes lead to committing suicide.
3. Loss of Emotional Support
Emotional or social support in a family or friends circle can be a source of strength at the time of dejection. They can reduce the impact of depression and anxiety. When that person relocates or moves out, the suicidal thoughts may intensify.
4. Loss of Job
Loss of a job can also be a significant factor behind a person committing suicide. Job termination can lead to disappointment, frustration, and mental stress especially if you are a sole breadwinner in the family. Studies have proven that suicide rates go up during times of economic recession.
5. Splitting up with Partner
Breaking up or divorcing with a partner, especially when you’ve been together since very long, can lead to loneliness and a loss of self-esteem. The risk of suicide increases in the aftermath of break up or divorce. Teenagers who've gone through a romantic breakup are more likely to gain suicidal thoughts.
6. Medication
Certain medications prescribed for various medical conditions tend to trigger depression and cause a change in a mood. Isotretinoin, which is sometimes prescribed for acne treatment, has been found to cause depression. Drugs like corticosteroids, cyclosporine, carbidopa, antibiotics, and even certain anti-depressants aggravate depression and lead to suicide.
7. Exposure to Suicidal Behaviors
If a person is extremely vulnerable to suicidal behaviors in their circle can cause cluster suicide or copycat suicide. The person imitates someone who has committed suicide and ends their own life.
If you think you are not able to overcome suicidal thoughts and has no one share your emotional state, reach out to these numbers:
In the United States - Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
In the UK and Ireland – Call the Samaritans at 116 123
In Australia – Call Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14
In India - Call AASRA NGO 022 2754 6669
By Sowmya Sangam