SUICIDE.................

 
Suicide  is the act of intentionally causing one's own death.

Causes of suicide
>>Suicide is frequently attributed to mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia.

>>Alcoholism or drug abuse.When combined with personal grief, such as bereavement, the risk of commiting suicide is further increased. Substance misuse is associated with mental health disorders.

>>Stress factors such as financial difficulties or troubles with interpersonal relationships. etc

Some facts and figures concerning suicide

>Suicide rates are higher in men than in women.

>It is most prevalent in youths aged between 18-30 years.

>Every 40 seconds, someone somewhere in the world, dies as a result of suicide (WHO)

>It's a criminal offence in Kenya to Commit suicide.



Signs and symptoms of suicide

• Always talking or thinking about death
• Clinical depression -- deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating -- that gets worse
• Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving fast or running red lights
• Losing interest in things one used to care about
• Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
• Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
• Sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
• Talking about suicide or killing one's self
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

The more warning signs, the greater the risk of suicide.

Commonly used suicidal methods
Firearms
Poisoning
Jumpings eg from rooftops
Hanging etc


Religion and suicide
Most religions view and treat suicide as a sin.  For instance, According to Wikipedia, "Suicides in the Jewish views are frowned upon and buried in a separate part of a Jewish cemetery, and may not receive certain mourning rites"

In regard to the theology of the Roman Catholic Church, suicide is objectively a sin which violates the commandment "Thou shalt not kill"

 In Islam, as with other Abrahamic religions,  suicide is one of the greatest sins and utterly detrimental to one's spiritual journey. A verse in the Quran instructs; "And do not kill yourselves, surely God is most Merciful to you."

Mental health and suicide
Worldwide, suicide is among the three leading causes of death among people aged 15 to 44.

An estimated 2-15 % of persons who have been diagnosed with major depression die by suicide. Suicide risk is highest in depressed individuals who feel hopeless about the future.

 People who die by suicide are frequently experiencing undiagnosed, undertreated, or untreated depression.

Persons with mental health conditions may feel like a burden to their families and caregivers and hence opt to commit suicide.


Some of the places to get help

From trusted religious leaders.
Trusted friends and family
Medical professionals such as psychologists, counsellors and psychiatrists.
Some organizations such as Samaritans Kenya which offer free listening and conselling services.