As mortal beings, humans have to experience death just the way they experience life.
According to the laws of nature, everyone must eventually confront death.We cannot prevent this life cycle that is determined by nature. However, there are some deaths that defy nature's courseand we might be able to prevent those deaths if we want to – suicide.
According to mental health experts, suicide is preventable. In most cases, a little awareness can prevent such unexpected deaths of loved ones.
Experts say there is a silent epidemic of suicide in the country. According to various surveys, at least 13,000 people commit suicide in Bangladesh every year. Besides, around the world, 800,000 people commit suicide every year. In other words, in every 40 seconds, one personin the world takes their life.
Recently, after the death of a star artist and a university student due to suicide in the country, numerousdiscussions arose around the issue. Not only that, there have been quite a few suicide cases in the country in the last few months.
This problem is especially worrisome amongst young people. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies suicide as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24.
Meanwhile, a recent study by Bangladeshi researchers published in an international journal said that at least one adolescent in ten in Bangladesh has a tendency to commit suicide.
Although there are various reasons behind suicide, experts have identified mental health problems as one of the most influential factors in suicide. Mental health experts say that about 90% of all suicides occur due to mental health problems.
However, most deaths by suicide can be prevented if family, relatives, friends or nearby people are a little aware and show a little more care.
In addition to mental health, factors such as dowry, family abuse, failure in love, poor exam results, bullying, eve-teasing, drug addiction, internet addiction, poverty and unemployment have been found to be contributing factors to suicide in Bangladesh.
Experts identify two common types of suicide. The first is premeditated, known as decisive suicide, often involving individuals who plan their act and may leave behind suicide notes. The second type is impulsive suicide, where individuals act suddenly, often driven by intense emotions such as anger.
Mental health experts say that most cases of decisive suicide can be prevented if people around them are a little more aware.
According to them, individuals with decisive suicidal tendencies already indicate suicide through a variety of behaviours. These indications include-
- Expressing one's wishes about death and suicide on social media
- Suicide or death related songs, poems or various posts on social media
- Increasing reading of songs, poems or books about suicide or death
- Cutting limbs or otherwise harming oneself
- Feeling guilty
- Loss of normal arousal
- Isolating themselvesfrom everyone else
Dr Salahuddin Qusar Biplob, professor at Department of Psychiatry at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), told Dhaka Tribune: “Suicide is a public health problem in the world today. Suicide prevention and reduction of suicide rates is one of the goals in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) announced by the United Nations.”
He urged the media to follow the guidelines of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in reporting suicide news.
Furthermore, various mental illnesses like schizophrenia, personality disorders, drug addiction, and chronic depression increase the risk of suicide.
In such situations, sincere efforts from those around the individual — engaging with them, empathizing with their feelings, instilling positive thoughts, or seeking help from mental health professionals — can potentially prevent loss of life due to suicide.
Mental health experts repeatedly emphasize that closeness to loved ones reduces the risk of suicide.
They urged increased awareness at individual, family and institutional levels to prevent suicide. They also suggested to increase the campaign on suicide prevention in the mass media in particular.
A major concern for suicidal individuals is that they themselves may be influenced by news of others' suicides. Therefore, mental health experts are called upon to play a responsible role in disseminating suicide news through various media.
Besides, journalists who collect and report on suicides may themselves be affected by the incident. In that case, mental health experts advise seeking medical help if necessary.
In addition to following the World Health Organization's guidelines for reporting suicide in the media, everyone should be cautious about sharing any post related to suicide on social media. Suicide cannot be rationalized or glorified, nor can someone's suicidal tendencies be ridiculed.
In our society, it is often seen that when someone expresses their wish to die, the family members do not pay much attention to it. In some cases, friends laugh about it. But this is not right at all. Suicidal ideation should be considered as the biggest symptom of suicide and should be treated with compassion. It is important to listen to their problems as well as give positive advice. If necessary, it is important to refer them to a mental health specialist.
Mental health awareness is most needed to prevent suicide. This awareness should be present in individuals, families, society, educational institutions, workplaces,etc.
Suicide cannot be avoided at any cost. It should be understood that suicide is not a solution. Suicidal tendencies should not be mocked. A healthy lifestyle should be encouraged to these people. In this case, drug addiction, internet addiction, and tendency to stay up at night should be discouraged.
On the contrary, children and students should be encouraged to engage in various creative activities including building study habits, hanging out with family and friends, and playing sports.