ARE WE TAKING CARE OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental Health is a very important factor that is ignored by most of us. We believe that if our physical health is fine then everything else must obviously be fine as well. We pay a lot of attention to our physical health, we would rush to consult a doctor if there are any aches or pains and get the necessary tests without delay. Is it the same when it comes to our mental health?
With the objective of bringing about awareness on this most important topic, the Daily Mirror Life will run this column with a series of articles written by well-known Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Dasanthi Akmeemana. You will find many common mental health issues discussed in this column.
Let's get together to increase mental health awareness – for yourself, your loved ones and also the society surrounding us to make the world a happier place.
SUICIDE
The word caught your attention, didn’t it?
The truth is, suicide catches everyone’s attention.
It’s the actions leading up to suicide that go unnoticed.
As per the World Health
Organisation (WHO) estimates, over a million people commit suicide each year - that translates to about 3000 per day. Globally, suicides account for 50% of all violent deaths in men and 70% in women.
According to the statistics done by the World Health Organisation in 2016, suicide rates in Sri Lanka were ranked as 31st in the world.
Suicide attempts are at least 20 times more common than actual suicides.
Over a year, one-third of attempters repeat the behaviour and nearly 10% eventually manage to commit suicide.
Suicide is the result of a convergence of genetic, psychological, social and cultural and other risk factors, sometimes combined with experiences of trauma and loss. People who take their own lives represent a heterogenous group, with unique, complex and multifaceted causal influences preceding their final act. Such heterogeneity presents challenges for suicide prevention experts.
Is suicide a potentially preventable public health problem?
A large proportion of suicides do take place in the context or background of a mood disorder, which often remains under-recognised in the early phase. The onset of suicidal ideation usually heralds a severe depressive episode, requiring immediate medical help. However, in view of associated symptoms such as psychomotor retardation or severe hopelessness, the suffering person may not ask or present for medical help.
In the field of suicide prevention, the term “gatekeeper” refers to individuals who have faceto-face contact with large numbers of community members as part of their usual routine or who are in a unique position to identify and help a person at risk. They may be trained to identify and refer the person in need of treatment or supporting services as appropriate.
Misconceptions about suicide
There are several misconceptions associated with suicide, which are better addressed such as: People who talk about suicide won't really do it, anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy, if a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them, people who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help and talking about suicide may give someone the idea.
You will see the following warning signs in people who have the intention of suicide such as talking about suicide, seeking out lethal means, preoccupation with death and no hope for the future, self-loathing (hatred towards self), getting affairs in order, making out a will, saying goodbye, withdrawing from responsibilities, self-destructiveness and sudden sense of calmness.
When talking to a person with suicidal ideas
Don't argue with the person and don't act shocked. Don't promise confidentiality by saying this will not be divulged to anybody. Don't offer ways to fix their problems, or give any advice, or make them feel like they have to justify their suicidal feelings. Don't blame the person who has suicidal ideas.
When talking to a person with suicidal ideas
Be yourself. Listen. Be sympathetic, non-judgmental, patient and calm, accepting and offer hope.
If the person says things like, “I'm so depressed, I can't go on,” don't hesitate to ask the question: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” And refer them to psychiatric services.
Prevention of suicide is often possible and you are a key player in it! You can make a difference, as a health professional, as a member of the society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour.
There are many things that you can do such as; raising awareness about the issue, educating yourself and the others about the causes of suicide and warning signs of suicide. Show compassion and care for those who are distressed in your community. Question the stigma associated with suicide, suicidal behaviour and mental health problems and share your own experiences. Help to make a life better; a better society and a better world will follow.