It is no secret that suicide is a major issue in Sri Lanka. Many efforts are made to reduce the rate of suicide in this island. However, a lack of understanding of the factors/reasons that compel people to embrace this as ultimate solution (regardless of the stigma and taboo it entails), together with a lack of data and research on the extent of the problem, has kept the problem unsolved.
The country has so far been successful in reducing its rate of suicide. However, the focus of society, institutions and the government had only been on the reduction of rates. There had been no analysis of either the actual suicides or suicide attempts. Surviving attempted suicide, while taxing one emotionally may isolate the person from society again. This is a perilous situation. How society interacts with a person after a suicide attempt has great implications for his/her future, and this especially affects young people.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 15-29 all over the world according to WHO statistics” acting Consultant Psychiatrist, District General Hospital, Mannar, Dr L.L. Amila Isuru says. WHO statistics record, about 800,000 suicides annually. However, the number of attempted suicides is much higher. The same records show that most suicides and attempts come from youthbetween the ages of 15-25.
Every 40 seconds someone in the world takes his or her life. In today’s Sri Lankan scenario, youth suicide is a very complex phenomenon and is a tragic outcome of biological, socioeconomic and social factors which are often interconnected. Therefore, it is vital to find the root causes for suicide including societal and familial contexts.
According to the Police Department statistics, in 2017, 482 suicides have been recorded among the 17-25 year age group. Of this, 316 have been males and 171 were females. However, Police statistics on attempted suicides had always been debatable. “No one would put down their suicide attempt in hospital records. They would record them as accidental, because attempted suicide was a punishable offence. Though now the law is relaxed, it still has a strong impact,” said a hospital volunteer who did not want to be named. She works with those who attempted suicide, and their families. According to experts only one out of 20 attempted suicides are reported in Sri Lanka.
Causes
The common causes for suicide among Youth are pressure to succeed in studies and extracurricular activities; peer, family and social pressures, broken relationships (mainly love-affairs), Cyber bullying; and alcoholism. Social media such as Facebook and Instagram can be a catalysts for suicide while poverty and debt has always been a reason to take one’s life, in the Sri Lankan context.
Dr. Isuru believes that myths about suicide itself, contribute to the increase of youth suicide. “There is a taboo in many societies like ours, against talking about suicide. If someone is suicidal you should talk about it, and then find ways and means to help them,” said Dr. Isuru. His words are confirmed by 19 year old Udesh (not his real name), who has already attempted suicide once.
He had no one to listen to his feelings or to guide him on the right path, he says. “Our people are very good at detecting the emotions of fictional characters in movies and dramas,” said Udesh as he explains how some people cry when watching TV dramas. However, though society calls for young people to communicate when they feel depressed, according to Udesh, it is impossible to find someone to listen at the very time they need help. “How many are ready to listen, talk and understand the problems we face or guide us to a psychiatrist or a counsellor? Instead, all they say is - ‘it’s just in your head, shake it off.’
The stigma attached to suicide prevents people coming out with their feelings and thoughts.Dr. Isuru says that accepting that these feelings exist, and allowing people to openly speak about suicide, will help them. “People who are suicidal need help. They don’t understand how to or where to reach out for help. It is very important to talk about suicide and seek help.” A common myth about suicide is that talking about suicide could encourage a person with suicidal thoughts to commit suicide. However, in reality, it is the complete opposite. Reluctance to talk about suicide results in young people resorting to self harm. “The stigma led my best friend to self-harm in various ways,” said a girl from Kandy who did not want to reveal her name. “She was scared to speak to us, because she thought we would get the wrong idea about what she was going through. We identified the marks of self-harm and questioned her. She was so determined not to talk, saying all the time “I’m normal”. We had to keep talking and pushing her. Eventually we gained her trust and were able to seek help for her from professionals.”
When someone is determined to die a single factor may push them over the edge. However, generally suicidal people are abhorrent of the action they plan to take. As they contemplate, there opens a window of opportunity for others to intervene. “The statement, suicide happens without warning, is a myth. Most suicidal individuals contemplate for a long time, and express their suicidal feelings to their doctors or someone close to them. People who talk about suicide are at risk of ending their life and need to be taken seriously and helped,” he said Another myth prevailing in our society is that only people with mental disorders are suicidal.
Mental disorders
Although there is some truth in the statement that people suffering from certain mental disorders are at a higher risk, many who attempt or commit suicide do not suffer from any mental illness, said Dr.Isuru. Crises, especially loss of something or someone they value in life, may generate suicidal feelings in some people. “If a person undergoes a personal crisis such as serious physical illness, break up of an intimate relationship such as marriage or a love affair, financial crisis, a death in the family and if that person perceives it as a threat which leaves them no hope for life, he or she may show suicidal behaviour.”
However, simply having suicidal thoughts does not mean the actual act of suicide would be carried out. These thoughts are often short term and situational.
Many do cope with debilitating life-crisis situations. It is easier for a person to overcome a crisis supported by family, friends and society. Some overcome these situations alone. Whether one would overcome a crisis or fall victim, depends on one’s personality.
“Nobody likes to die but when a person decides to die that means it is a vulnerable, unbearable and a very painful situation to handle. Many other factors coupled with the lack of coping ability in some people, lead to suicide,” a Sri Lanka Sumithrayo spokesperson told the Sunday Observer. “There can be different reasons but we know from experience that it could be a combination. For example, if you are in poverty and there is no proper understanding with your family, no support system plus substance abuse, one or the other could lead you to suicide.” Sumithrayo Sri Lanka is an organisation which has been engaged in suicide prevention in the country for the past 42 years. Suicide is preventable. It is not a disease. It is mainly a cry for help. Early identification can lead to prevention, says a Sumithrayo spokesperson. He agrees that most youth who commit or attempt suicide, had had an abusive childhood. “ An abusive childhood, makes the child or the youth vulnerable to suicide,” he said. It also increases the risk of alcoholism and substance addictions.
While it is important for suicidal individuals to speak to someone, it is vital to take care of him or her once the intention is revealed, says Sumithrayo.
“The people around the affected person have to be with the individual all the time and make sure whatever it is that leads the person to harm themselves, is reversed. Keep an eye on them and empower the person’s positive thoughts and give the person hope to live while making that person’s life more joyful. Close observation is very important” says Sumithrayo Sumithrayo encourages anyone, who finds it difficult to bear their problems alone, to come and share the problem with their volunteers.
“Many people just need to talk. They need someone to listen to their problems. We don’t judge or condemn anyone. Whatever you say we will maintain confidentiality. It’s a completely free service.” People are encouraged to visit Sumithrayo Care Centres, (Colombo -Horton Place and elsewhere throughout the country), and/or call them for support. “When we receive calls from peoplewho say they are suicidal, with their permission only, we take their numbers and follow up. We also encourage them to visit our centres. We are happy to say that most have turned around and are now doing great,” Sumithrayo said.
Seeking psychological help is not a reason for shame. It is important to seek help from professionals or mental health care institutions, said Sumithrayo. Dr. Isuru agreed, “Professionals can understand whether a person has a mental illness, is going through any social stresses or lacks understanding about how to control their emotions and/or impulsive behavior.”
Wrong attitudes
Ignorance within society about where to get help and wrong attitudes towards Help Centres contribute to suicide as well.
There are Help Centres such as Sumithrayo and the District Hospitals which have mental care units where people could seek support from professionals. Both, Dr. Isuru and Sumithrayo spokespersoncautioned the Media against irresponsible reporting, sensationalizing the act of suicide, and portraying varied methods of suicide, all of which should be a no-no for the Media, they said.
“In Sri Lanka the Media sensationalize suicides. In a broken relationship the boy commits suicide and the news will be on the front page of the newspaper and in all other Media” said Dr. Isuru.
“Media should be very careful when reporting suicides. An article can be a negative influence on people who are vulnerable and thinking about suicide. People tend to ‘copycat’ the same act, or suicidal methods, which they saw in the news Media.
The copycat syndrome is another reason that contributes towards the increase of youth suicides and attempts,” said a Sumithrayo spokesperson.