Written by Ashley de la Cruz
Edited by An Nhan
In a time span of nearly twenty years, suicide rates have escalated by a solid 35% at a similar measure between different age groups. The numbers are estimated to keep on increasing by double within the next decade, even more so as we struggle to combat difficult and complicated times with the events revolving Covid-19. As researchers continue to analyze and evaluate the different results concerning suicide, how is it that not a single recording has decreased after all the given findings? Suicide is not a joke, and everything that contributes to suicide isn’t funny either. In order to find an estimate, let’s break down some of the various factors that contribute to this topic at hand.
According to the CDC in 2018, “suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals” and there were “two and a half times as many suicides than there were homicides” in the United States.
The rates between the different ages vary, although the population with the most recorded cases are explicitly given to those between ages 10 to 34. Following up in second place would be those in the higher range between 35 and 54 years of age. In a given population of approximately 100,000, the demographics between males and females have a drastically distinct change in number. It’s been recorded that males are much more likely to commit suicide by an average of 22.8% (3.7 times the act from women). Worldwide, two-thirds of chartered incidents have been committed by men.
Graphic made by Ashley de la Cruz, from Arts for Relief
Each individual has their own unique background from everyone else as it makes us who we are.
When we sit and try to figure out all the focus points that surround this momentous issue, every aspect needs to be included. It’s been given that several of those that have been influenced up this act correlate with the conceptual understanding of overwhelming experiences in their lives. In other words, the results of their actions relate to the limited performances to cope with various things. In addition, approximately 90% of those who have died from suicide have reported that they had indicated or diagnosed factors of mental illness(es), more often than not, depression.
There are different ways in which one could indicate whether someone has been invested in suicidal actions and thoughts.
In some cases, risk factors lie very deep from the surface and are tricky to identify, but taking into account some of the common and general signs will help bring a greater understanding. Taking careful precautions and attention to others could help save a life and give them the support that they need; whether that be from friends, family, or a health counseling professional.
List of Potential Risk Factors:
- family history of suicide
- mental illness
- loss of loved one(s)
- traumatic experiences/events
- poor skills with coping
- previous suicidal attempts and thoughts
- isolation/ distancing away from those around them
- involvement with alcohol/ drug abuse
- associating suicide with cultural or religious beliefs
- impulsive behavior
Warning signs are indicators that help address whether someone is potentially struggling with suicidal intentions.
There are several different possibilities that play a significant role, although there is no true indicator when it comes to suicide. One of the biggest motives would be depression, a mental health disorder that influences a negative and pessimistic mindset on its victims; whether it’d be loss of motivation, lack of enjoyment toward activities, and etc. More often than not, people tend to hold different outlooks from one’s past experiences, those could permanently be sealed and eventually turn into a trigger. They’re powerful enough to have that person instantly recall a traumatic event, which drags down their emotional and mental state. Every indicator must be taken into account, here are some to look out for.
Signs and triggers:
- mentioning or expression thoughts about death
- believing they no longer hold a purpose to keep on going, lacking motivation
- feeling isolated in a dark place, no escape
- not sleeping enough, or not sleeping at all
- having sudden changes of mood (drastic switches)
- unusual behavior
- feeling as if they were a burden to others
- inflicting self-harm or has attempted suicidal acts before
Self-Harm and Coping Methods:
What exactly is self-harm? There are a variety of forms and severities that can be inflicted, the greater it is, the closer one is to extreme danger zones that are consuming once they step in. When acted upon, the intention is to cause harm upon themselves in order to relieve another form of emotional connection rather than the one they wish to forget. The most common forms would be acts of cutting, burning, pulling strands/chunks of hair, bitting, and even going as far as hitting themselves in a number of areas.
Even with all these acts, being able to notice when someone is trying to cover up the truth is a key point in taking action and addressing the situation for their own good. A person who’s committing harm would have the tendency to wear long sleeves, baggy clothing, spending overestimated time alone in a room, and finding dangerous items (knives, sharp objects, etc) in unusual places. Some could even go as far as brushing off their marks and bruises with other excuses in order to justify the questions they’ve been questioned with. A result of self-harm comes from poor coping management, along with a specific approach to withdrawing from expressing pain or sentiment. Many believe that this is the only solution, but there are other ways to recover and follow healthier and more impactful processes. The following are some pointers to evaluate.
Methods to recovery:
- seeking help from a health professional
- talk to others, you’re never alone
- avoid any form of alcohol/drug usage
- take care of yourself, take time off to focus on you
- recognize when things are getting bad, address these problems with help
- adapt to an active lifestyle
Ways to Support:
Some days you’ll feel completely fine, no worries are clouding your mind and everything seems to be going as smoothly as they can be. And sometimes it isn’t. Those days, it feels as if the world is crumbling around you, no escape, you’re drowning in a pool of one’s self issues and there’s no solution. But you want to know something? You are doing amazing. Things are going to get better, there’s always a clear sky after the storm. No matter how hard it gets, don’t give up, keep on going. Even the people around you are holding on. Remind them how much they mean to you, reach out and ask them how they’re doing. Sometimes all it takes is a push for someone else to open up, and that’s a major step. Just remember, and this goes for everyone: You are doing the best you can, and that is enough. Every day you are making an effort to advance in the best way possible, no matter how big or how small those steps are taken. You are IMPORTANT. You MATTER. You are LOVED.
STAY STRONG. For those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention hotline is active 24/7, and there will always be someone to talk to. 800-273-8255.
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