World Suicide Prevention Day: The State of Suicide & How to Go About it – Sylvia Phaphali Adzitey
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set aside September 10th annually to serve as World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a day dedicated to creating awareness and promoting actions toward the prevention of this global public health crisis. Yesterday, 10th September 2023, was another day for this suicide awareness having started in 2003.
Miklah Life received an informative & action-oriented article in relation to this suicide day from Sylvia Phaphali Adzitey, and we wanna bring your attention to it:
Suicide is a Global Public Health Crisis
Data has shown that people in low and middle-income countries, the poor and vulnerable are the ones disproportionately affected by non-communicable or non-infectious diseases, of which mental health is part. Suicide is a mental health issue and requires concerted efforts to tackle it. The suicide death rate is one of the indicators of sustainable development goal 3.4; to reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
Everyone must get involved in addressing Suicide as the rate of Suicide keeps increasing. It is important to share knowledge and resources needed to address issues affecting Suicide and suicidal ideation and to offer needed support to people struggling.
You or someone you know might be struggling with issues that can lead to suicidal ideation or suicide, Speak up. Shout for help.
Suicide is not a simple issue, it is complex and multifaceted. It thus requires a holistic and multi-sectorial approach to dealing with it. Sectors such as health, education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics, and the media should work collaboratively towards suicide prevention.
Mental health, sociocultural, socioeconomic and biological are some of the factors that can influence suicide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 700,000 people die by suicide each year, making it the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29 years.
Some suicide facts and figures to move your action
1. One (1) in 100 deaths is as a result of suicide.
2. The Global suicide rate is over twice as high among men than women.
3. More than half (58%) of all suicide deaths occur before age 50 years.
4. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds
5. Suicide occurs in all regions of the world, however, in 2019 77% of all global suicides occurred in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
6. The risk of suicide is 20 times higher in a person with depression than someone without depression.
7. Ingestion of pesticides, hanging, and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally.
8. Some countries still regard suicidal behaviour as a crime punishable by law including imprisonment. Ghana was one of such countries until recently when it amended the Criminal Offenses Act of 1960. Before then, attempted suicide was a criminal offence in the country. However, attempted suicide in Ghana is now considered a mental health issue that requires assistance.
In Uganda, suicide is still a criminal offence, referred to as a misdemeanor (a minor wrongdoing). In fact, around August 1st 2023, Uganda police arrested a young man, Faizo, on charges of suicide attempt. In 2020, Uganda Police arrested Wasswa on the same charges. Some researchers have explored and confirmed these injustices (see here and here).
Attempted suicide is criminalized under Chapter 22 Section 210 of Uganda Penal Code, which states that ‘any person who attempts to kill himself or herself commits a misdemeanour. Fortunately, a team of lawyers and mental health activists are already on the move, challenging this 210 section of the penal code. However, it seems their (or our) journey is still long, and the suicide crisis is on rampage.
Uganda’s annual crime report of 2022 shows 235 reported cases of attempted suicide, an increase by 31 cases from 2021 figures. According to Macrotrends, Uganda’s crude suicide mortality rate stood at 4.6 per 100,000 people in 2019, which was 4.55% increase from 2018 figures. At this rate, it means around 212 people died of suicide in 2019. A 2020 study in the country’s western region revealed that 60 out of 100,000 people attempt suicide, with 3 out of 100,000 getting through with it. The study noted 136 attempted suicide cases.
In general, these figures show that, irrespective of the efforts from both private and public healthcare, suicide is still a serious public health threat in the country.
Devastating effects of suicide go beyond numbers: These statistics are not just numbers, they represent valuable lives affected by suicide.
The negative impact of suicide is not just the lives lost, it also includes the devastating impact it has on the dead persons’ families, communities, and nations.
The majority of victims of suicide are in their prime and productive ages; this has a great effect on the productivity of a nation that is losing its workforce to suicide. For LMICs looking to achieve a demographic dividend, suicide prevention should also be given attention.
Warning signs of Suicide; noticed any with anyone? Reach out!
Suicidal behaviour encompasses a spectrum of behaviours from suicide ideation, attempts and preparatory behaviours to completed suicide. These are some signs that should draw your attention that that dear person might be contemplating suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or obtaining a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Prevention and Control of Suicide
The Ray of Hope is this; suicide is preventable. As people, it is essential to create an atmosphere for open conversations. People going through challenges should be able to speak and not feel judged, victimised or vindicated. We need to foster open conversations, avoid stigmatisation and offer supportive environments.
We are in a time where there is increased competitiveness, particularly among young people. Social media is one of the platforms that we need to watch out for, as it is causing mental health issues to some people who feel they have not accomplished enough as compared to what their peers put out there on social media.
As an individual or collectively, let us contribute to suicide prevention by:
1. Getting informed/educated about suicide: Do not be ignorant, familiarize yourself with the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide. Your knowledge about suicide will enable you to identify when someone is in any crisis that could lead to suicide. With this, you can offer appropriate support or direct them to seek professional help.
2. Be a Listener: Be a supportive listener and not a judge. Listen to understand people and not to respond. There are many people out there who just need that one person who will listen to them, Just LISTEN. We live in times when we are all engrossed with our phones and other gadgets. Let us learn to give a listening ear.
All that people want to hear is; “I am listening, I believe you and I won’t judge you”
Learn to create a safe and warm space around you for people to express their thoughts and emotions. If you are not able to be an empathetic listener, redirect people to others you know can listen with empathy.
Are you an employer or supervisor? Don’t make the workplace toxic, ensure a safe working environment, and engage your staff or employees regularly. As much as you want results from your employees, also be concerned about their issues. Your understanding can make a tremendous difference to someone in crisis.
3. Awareness Creation: Let’s create awareness about suicide when we get a platform.
Are you an active social media person, utilize your platforms to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention. Give opportunities for people to share their stories to encourage other people. Share informative articles, verifiable statistics and stories to increase awareness about suicide prevention.
In our social gatherings, religious gatherings, and our daily encounters and engagement with people, let us have conversations about suicide and mental health issues.
It is important to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health issues, including suicide.
4. Reach Out: Once upon a time, I encountered someone who had a crisis with depression. This person went about her routine at work, but I observed a few odd things. She didn’t participate in certain social routines her colleagues were doing. I asked her if she wasn’t interested, and through our interaction, I got to know there was a lot she was going through. She finally got the needed help. Later she revealed to me how she was having suicidal ideation around the period I reached out to her.
If you ever suspect even the least that someone may be struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
Let people know you care about them, remind them of the good they do, and emphasise their strengths. Let them know that you care about their well-being and encourage them to seek professional help if needed.
5. Support Mental Health Initiatives: Mental Health in low and middle-income countries is one of the least funded health issues.
Offer support to organizations and initiatives dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health. Volunteer your time to mentor and support young people, especially the ones involved in substance abuse.
It requires a collective commitment to create an environment or world where individuals are not pushed to suicide as the only option.
Mental Health Issues should be prioritised, Suicide is Preventable.
On this 2023 edition of World Suicide Prevention Day with the theme: “Creating Hope Through Action” let us all be reminded that every life is significant and deserves to be saved. Together, let us create hope by committing ourselves to action in suicide prevention.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a helpline or mental health professional in your community or country. Remember, someone out there cares, help is always available, and you are NEVER ALONE.
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay #WSPD #WSPD2023 #BeTheLight #CreatingHopeThroughAction #PreventSuicide #YouMatter