Death by intentional self-directed injury, suicide, is an indicator for Sustainable Development Goal 3.4.2. Globally, suicide is a significant preventable public health problem, and it is the second leading cause of death among younger people aged 10–34 years, the fourth leading cause among people ages 34-54, and the fifth leading cause among people ages 45-54.
Every year 703000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind.
People who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence have a higher suicide risk. A breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness, experiencing conflict, disaster, loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour.
Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners.
It is estimated that around 20% of global suicides are due to pesticide self-poisoning, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas in low- and middle-income countries. Other common methods of suicide are hanging and firearms.
Knowledge of the most commonly used suicide methods is important to devise prevention strategies which have shown to be effective, such as restriction of access to means of suicide.
Suicides are preventable. There are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. Some of them are as follows:
- Limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications)
- Interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide.
- Foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents;
early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours. - Inclusion of life skill training in school curriculum and making mental health part of mainstream healthcare and wellness agenda.
If we talk about ‘Self-harm’, it’s not the same as attempting suicide. However, it is a symptom of emotional pain that should be taken seriously. If someone is hurting themself, they may be at an increased risk of feeling suicidal.
People who deliberately hurt their own body have feelings of shame, self-loathing and helplessness and may have suicidal thoughts. Many people who attempt suicide have a history of self-harm. So, it’s important to find treatment for the underlying emotions.
- Holding a cube of ice in your hand and letting it slowly melt with your body heat can make you feel calm in such situations. Taking a cold shower, drinking cold water and consuming a cool food might be helpful alternatives.
- Keep a journal and jot down your thoughts. Consider writing about the things in your life that you value and appreciate, no matter how small they may seem at the time.
- Take a hot shower, cuddle in a blanket, eat a bowl of comforting soup, or sip a cup of warm tea. The warmth could even be more emotional than physical, like cuddling your pet if that brings you comfort.
- Wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it when you feel distressed.
- Destroying pieces of paper or punching a soft object like a pillow or clay. You might also find it helpful to channel your emotions into something creative, like art or music.
- Being connected to family and community support and having easy access to health care can decrease suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Suicide prevention efforts require coordination and collaboration among multiple sectors of society, including the health sector and other sectors such as education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics, and the media.
Building positive social relationships with peers is the key to suicide prevention strategies for vulnerable adolescents. Targeted programs by age group and sex could improve mental health during adolescence in low and middle-income countries, given the diverse risk profiles for suicidal ideation and attempts.