Did you know that suicide claims more lives than car accidents? (“Suicide Kills Three Times More People Than Road Traffic Accidents, We Urgently Need to Act”) Every eighteen minutes someone, somewhere takes his own life voluntarily and intentionally. Suicide is an ongoing last resort for countless souls in our nation every year. The number continues to grow, and the ages of the lives lost gets younger and younger. But, why? There are hotlines, phone numbers, and chat centers. Are the current resources in place not doing their job or not doing enough? Most like to say that they would help someone in need, but when it comes down to it, would they really? Suicide is a social epidemic that has been neglected, that needs to be refocused on.
History
Historically, the opinions on suicide range. In Ancient Greece, the act of suicide was not necessarily wrong as long as it was accompanied with justification. Plato, opposed suicide but gave three exceptions: if it is ordered by law, if one is suffering from a painful and incurable sickness, and last, when one is “compelled” to do so, due to an “intolerable misfortune” occurring. However, Epicureans felt that suicide is justified if and when one’s life becomes unbearable. In 4th century A.D. a strict law prohibiting suicide was put in place. It was deemed a mortal sin. Suicide was very slowly de-criminalized across Europe upon the adoption of the Suicide Act in 1961.
Did you know that the suicide rates here in the United states have risen in nearly all fifty states since 1999; a 30% overall increase to be exact. This increase not only puts suicide as being the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. but also puts suicide rates to be virtually at a thirty-year high.
In regards to the cause of this social epidemic, there are several contributing factors. The first of which I will bring up is that the current resources are not doing their job and it’s no secret. In fact, its known by those in charge of the resources. Professor Julie Cerel, President of the American Association of Suicidolgy, acknowledges this in an article with BBC News, “Why U.S. Suicide Rate is on the Rise”. She not only stated that our mental health systems are struggling, but also that “in terms of training mental health professionals we’re not doing a great job.” She further mentioned how as of 2018, only ten of our fifty states mandate suicide prevention for health professionals. (5) (“Why U.S. Suicide Rate is on the Rise”)
The CDC, and suicide help resources give statistics, and general basic “causes” linked to suicide. Aside from the point-blank statistics, the information they publish very well may come off as patronizing, to some. Driving one further away from reaching out for help. The stigma attached to suicide or those dealing with suicidal thoughts/ideation also plays a part, deterring one from seeking out the help they may need. Nearly 45,000 chose to end their own life in 2016. Why hasn’t the gravity of this epidemic been taken to heart and taken seriously? Suicide doesn’t discriminate. Furthermore, suicide goes far beyond statistics, labels, and overall assumptions related to suicide. It is time to take a step back and refocus on the suicide social epidemic, with emphasis on the youth and young adults.
Social Effects
Suicides effects extend beyond those are struggling with suicidal thoughts, those who attempt the act, and those who have chosen to take their own life. It effects their loved ones, their inner circle. It also affects others in society. Suicide is not only an epidemic within the United States, it is a global epidemic.
Does the term Suicide Contagion sound familiar? Also referred to as a suicide cluster, is a “process in which one individual or multiple individuals can contribute to a rise in suicidal behaviors among others. Especially those who already have suicidal thoughts or a known risk factor for suicide.” (Howard, Jacqueline) It can spread through a school system, a community, and on the event of a celebrity suicide wave it can have affects nationally. How is this occurrence dangerous? John Ackerman, the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, gave two insightful quotes in an article with CNN, in reference to Suicide Contagion: “If they’re already struggling with thoughts of depression or risk of suicide, they’re already trying to get information about how other people are experiencing it.” He further went on stating, “Especially when you’ve got high profile people who are successful and who the world view as having a lot going for them and they die by suicide. It can generate feelings of hopelessness.” (Howard, Jacqueline)
Did you know that there was a 9.85% increase in suicide- 1,841 lives lost to be exact- recorded in the United States in the four months that followed Robin Williams 2014 suicide?
Recently two high profile individuals took their own lives. For a brief moment it gave a renewed focus to suicide. (Fisher, Nicole) While advocates and educators of mental health care tried to do their best in using these tragic losses to save countless others, the focus became blurred and lost by the details and scandal due to the media.
Examples
No one is immune to suicide. The government puts out statistics, warning signs, and such. I cannot say enough, suicide goes far beyond statistics, labels, and assumptions.
A close friend of mine had an experience with suicide. From the outside looking in she lived a privileged life. She always appeared to be happy, she was popular, and excelled academically. You know that saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover”? It is so true. It can make or break people. You never know what people are going through. What people didn’t know and couldn’t see is that she was abused, she had been raped, her father had passed away, she struggled with thoughts of suicide. Immediately following our high school graduation, her struggle hit hard and the decline was rapid. Every day, was worse than the day before. In her words, she was “drowning in slow motion.” She was hesitant to every reach out or talk about it because she feared judgement. When she felt she was hitting rock bottom she finally sought out help. By her mother she was called dramatic. By one doctor, she was brushed off with the comment “what problems could someone like you possibly have?” By the second doctor, she was just thrown a prescription. One she later used in a suicide attempt. You see, she was failed by those who were “supposed” to help her.
She described her experience in a way that I’ll never forget. She said it was as if she were in the middle of the ocean, just trying to keep her head above the water. Her mother comes by in a boat. Reaching her arms out towards her mother, for help, her mother just looks at her and stands motionless. Another boat comes by, again the person in the boat, motionless just watches her reaching out pleading for help. Then a third and final boat appears, this time she is screaming and reaching her arms out. However, this person does not try to save her, instead they throw to her a cement block.
Although I shared her personal story, the bottom line of one being failed by those that are supposed to help is one that occurs all too often. For not only our generation but the next generation we should be working together to change this devastating epidemic.
Solutions
Some campaigns address suicidal behavior directly. This was done in the United States Air Force Suicide Prevention Program. Others however focus on depressive disorders. (Giner, Lucas)
Reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, and suicide.
Suicide Prevention
Five action steps that we can use to talk to/ help loved ones:
1. ASK.
Be straight forward and ask the person how they are and if they are thinking about suicide. Be supportive and non-judgmental. It opens communication. Even if they aren’t ready to talk at that moment it can lead to them coming to you in the future. Then LISTEN.
2. KEEP THEM SAFE.
If you believe that suicidal behavior is an issue, you want to understand how you can help keep them safe. Know the answers to the following three questions:
Have they attempted suicide before?
Do they have a plan to commit suicide?
Do they have a timeline to take their life?
If you believe they are at IMMEDIATE RISK:
You may need to call 911.
If you believe that they are HAVING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/IDEATION but DO NOT have a plan in place:
Encourage the disposal of any fatal resources, (e.g.: firearms and medication).
Support/Assist them in getting help for the suicidal thoughts/ideation they may be having/dealing with, (e.g.: a doctor or therapist)
3. BE THERE.
Be available and connected to the individual. Daily texts. Listen when they try to talk about what they’re struggling with. Calling or texting each day. Listening to the persons' struggle. Do not make commitments that you are not willing to follow through on.
“Research suggests that feeling connected to a social group acts as a buffer against psychological pain and hopelessness.” (“Suicide in the United States”)
4. HELP THEM CONNECT
It is impossible for you to be the only support in one’s life. A key to preventing suicide however is social support. Help connect them with outside support, for example:
The Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
5. FOLLOW UP
Continue daily check-ins. Ongoing support can decrease the risk of a suicide attempt and/or a completed suicide.
Suicide is a progressively common cause of death in the United States today. Number ten cause of death in the United States to be exact. Since not all that attempt suicide are in contact with a mental health professional it is important that those around are aware of the risks, and are able to identify warning signs. Making yourself aware of the 12 KEY WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR could save the life of someone you know. (“Suicide Rising Across the US”)
The 12 Key Warning Signs of Suicidal Behavior are as follows:
1. Feeling like a burden
2. Being isolated
3. Increased anxiety
4. Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
5. Increased substance use
6. Looking for a way to access lethal means to hurt oneself or others
7. Increased anger or rage
8. Extreme mood swings
9. Expressing hopelessness
10. Sleeping too little or two much
11. Talking or posting on social media the desire to die
12. Making plans for suicidal behavior
Camus and Absurdity
Albert Camus’s admonition regarding whether or not to commit suicide left us with only one valid question, “so why go on?”. German critical theorists and French existentialists were in agreement upon the answer, “because there is always work to be done.” (Martin, Elliot B. Jr.) Albert Camus’s conclusion on the topic at hand, suicide, “we must go on, we must find our path.” (Martin, Elliot B. Jr.)
Conclusion
Suicide is an epidemic not only here in the United States but worldwide. Every action has an equal reaction. We must treat others with respect and with kindness. We must be more open minded. We must make ourselves aware of warning signs. Look out for our friends, and loved ones. Those personally suffering from suicidal thoughts, should reach out and seek help. Every person can make the choice to make a difference in this social epidemic.
Suicide Epidemic Works Cited
Eckert, Tanya L. and Miller, David N. “Youth Suicidal Behavior: An Introduction and
Overview.” School Psychology Review. V. 38, No. 2, (2009): 153-167. Web.
Fink, David S., Santaella-Tenorio, Julian, Keyes, Katherine M. “Increase in Suicides the
Months After the Death of Robin Williams in the US”, 7 February 2018.
Fisher, Nicole. “Suicide Isn’t a U.S. Problem. It’s a Global Health Epidemic”. 15 June 2018.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolefisher/2018/06/15/suicide-isnt-a-u-s-problem-its-a global-health-epidemic/#70b5311222f7b
Giner, Lucas, Oquendo, Maria A., Schwartz-Lifshitz, Maya, Zalsman, Gil. “Can We Really
Prevent Suicide” Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2012 Dec; 14(6); 624-633. DOI: 10.1007IS11920-012-0318-3.https://www.ncbi.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3492539/
Howard, Jacqueline. “The Risk of ‘Contagion’ After Suicides is Real”, CNN, 22 June 2018
Martin, Elliot B. Jr. “A Historical Perspective on Suicide”, V.35 I:7, 27 July, 2018.
Prasad, Ritu. “Why U.S. Suicide Rate is on the Rise”, BBC News, 11 June 2018.
“Suicide Kills Three Times More People Than Road Traffic Accidents, We Urgently Need to
Act”, 9 January 2017,
“Suicide Rising Across the U.S.”, Vital Signs, 11 June 2018.
“Suicide Statistics”, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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