Suicide and suicidal behaviour

Suicide and suicidal behaviour
Suicide is now a worldwide emerging health issue. Suicide is the intentional taking of one’s own life. 200,000 people in USA attempt suicide every year out of which 26,000 people lose their lives. While actual no. of suicides may be higher since official records often list suicide as another form of death. In Pakistan 15 – 35 people commit suicide every day. Means one person every hour commit suicide. According to the WHO survey in 2012, the suicide rate was 7.5 per 100,000 people In Pakistan. Which means 13,000 people commit suicide every year. This no. is half of the American suicide deaths. student suicides in Pakistan is also a wake-up call for parents and educational administrations.
Types of suicidal behaviour
There are 3 types of suicidal behaviour.

1. Suicide threat
2. Suicide attempt
3. Suicide gesture
4. Dead by suicide

Suicide threat
Suicide threat is verbal admiration of one’s own life useless. It is also before actual suicide attempt. It include verbal admiration such as “I just take it anymore.” This indicates that person is not sure about his attention to attempt suicide but he is thinking about it.
Suicide attempt
Suicide attempt are series of some life threatening actions which could lead a person’s life towards death if not Interrupted.
Suicide gesture
Suicide gesture is called as a cry for help. Person thinks about a way in which he may be rescued from his attempt. Most of time it includes calling someone.
Common ways to attempt suicide

Superficial cutting of wrist

drug overdose

Hanging

Ingestion of insecticides

Firearms

Behaviour signs
The person’s behaviour and actions suddenly change. For example, a person who didn’t like to play cricket start playing cricket. Or a thrifty person start spending more money than he earns. In simple words they begin to show reaction formation. I. Which they act totally different to their thinking. At that point person select suicide as a only solution to his problems. Other changes includes:

Loss of interest in recreation

Loss of interest in people

The individual may also avoid family, friends

Decreased sexual drives

Person may not make statements only his behaviour changes

Planning his own funeral

Suddenly resigning from clubs and groups to which he belongs

Crying for no apparent reason

Composing suicide note

A person who hate guns suddenly buy one

Appear quit happy in some cases

Non drinker Begins drinking to excess

Sudden and unexplained recovery from a severe depression

Depressed mood

Facial expressions may be blank,old or sad

Feels low or sad

Trembling

Causes of suicidal behaviour

Depression

Decreased ability to think

Diminished physical ability

Guilt

Self condemnation

Hopelessness

Disorders of eating

Sleeping disorders

Change in work habit

Inconsistent work pace

Compulsive working

Lack of interest in work

Separation/divorce

Difficulties with spouse

Loss of Self control

Financial problems

Debts

Living within tough budget

Interpersonal problems

Lover’s row

Difficulties in accepting authority

Homesickness

Loss of supporting friends/family ties

Difficulties with people at work

Management of suicide

Communicate with patient and convey message that you are with him

Assure the person that helps is available

Don’t leave alone patient at any time

Open a dialogue about uncomfortable aspects of life

Decrease a fear of seeking help in patient

Collaboration between government,non government organizations, public and mental health professionals in need of time to take up this challenge

Enhance self esteem in patient

Taking official statistical record of suicides

Crisis intervention centres and suicide prevention hotline Should be established.