The Invisible Epidemic: Raising Awareness About Suicide

Is it feasible that sad deaths in Kenya have become more common since the pandemic started, or have they always been common but not previously received as much media attention?

Suicide is a serious public health issue that has an impact on people, families, and communities all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 700,000 people worldwide die by suicide each year, making it the second most common cause of death for persons between the ages of 15 and 29.

According to WHO statistics, Kenya has a crude suicide rate of 6.1 per 100,000 people and an age-standardized suicide rate of 11.0 per 100,000 people, which is around 4 suicide fatalities each day.

This ‘epidemic’ affects far more individuals than those who die by suicide, as there is emotional and financial weight placed on families, friends, and communities left behind.

Several factors have over time been considered to cause or contribute to the rising number of suicide cases; however, people make such choices because of varied reasons.

Also Read: Man Poisons and Stabs His Children Before Committing Suicide

The most common suicide causes include:

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar illness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and OCD.

Abuse of drugs and alcohol, as well as addiction, can lead to emotions of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety, which can raise the risk of suicide thoughts and actions.

Relationship issues such as divorce, breakups, and other relationship issues have been proven to cause serious pressures that raise the risk of suicide conduct.

Financial issues, such as debt, uncertainty, and job loss, can raise the risk of suicide attempts as people try to look for fastest ways to solve the problem.

Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse causes trauma that in most cases leave people drowning in psychological distress, Self-blame and guilt, Physical pain, and sometimes loneliness and isolation.

There are several indicators to look out for that might suggest someone is thinking of taking their own life. It is however good to note that not everyone exhibiting these symptoms is suicidal:

1. Expressing a desire to die or to commit suicide
2. Expressing a sense of powerlessness or despair
3. An increase in alcohol and drug abuse.
4. Giving out cherished possessions
5. Avoiding social places.
6. Risky behavior such as driving under the influence.
7. Severe mood swings or abrupt behavioral changes.
8. Talking of feeling constrained or burdened.
9. Alterations in sleeping or eating habits

Also Read: Concern as Woman in Kasarani Commits Suicide

Suicide prevention not only requires creating awareness but also considering ways to counter the many causes of the ‘menace’. Such include:

1. Address risk factors: Preventing suicide requires recognizing and dealing with risk factors including mental health issues, substance addiction, interpersonal conflict, and financial stress.
2. Promoting protective factors can help lower the risk of suicide by helping individuals develop their sense of purpose, their social networks, their ability to cope well under pressure, and their access to healthcare.
3. Raising awareness: Educating people on warning signs, risk factors, and accessible resources regarding suicide and mental health issues can help to lessen stigma and inspire them to seek support and assistance.
4. Support and services such as crisis intervention programs, support groups, and mental health care, should be made available to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts.
5. Build safe spaces: Making places like schools, businesses, and communities that encourage mental health and wellbeing safe and supportive can help prevent suicide. This involves limiting access to potentially fatal suicide tools like weapons and drugs.

Regrettably, there are several suicide myths and misconceptions that might discourage people from asking for assistance or providing support to those in need:

1. Myth: Those who discuss suicide are not sincere and won’t do it.

The fact is that discussing suicide is frequently a cry for assistance, and it must always be taken seriously.

2. Myth: Suicide is only a risk for those who have mental health issues.

The risk of suicide can be increased by a variety of circumstances, including substance addiction, interpersonal conflicts, financial strain, and traumatic experiences. This is true even if mental health issues might play a role in suicidal behavior.

3. Myth: Only a certain demographic is affected by suicide.

Everyone is susceptible to suicide, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic situation.

4. Myth: Bringing up the subject of suicide will give someone the idea to commit it.

By giving someone the chance to talk about their thoughts and receive support and resources, asking them about suicide can really help prevent it.

5. Myth: Suicidal attempts are the result of attention-seeking or selfish behavior.

Suicide is such a complicated subject; we must address it with compassion and understanding. Individuals who attempt suicide frequently experience intense emotional distress and require assistance and services.

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Get help through:

1. Crisis Text Line, which is all round-the-clock assistance service, provides text-based support for individuals in need. Kenya Red Cross runs a toll-free line; 1199 that provides 24-hour free tele-counselling to the public.
2. Your medical professional: If you have a mental health issue, talk to your doctor about your treatment choices, which may include therapy, medication, or inpatient care.
3. Online support groups: Those who are battling with suicide thoughts have access to a wide variety of online support groups. These organizations can offer a sense of belonging and support.

Suicide rates are higher in low- and middle-income nations, where there are frequently few resources for mental health care. This calls for awareness creation to help curb the silent epidemic.

It is important to comprehend the prevalence and seriousness of suicide, to make an impactful change.

We can fight to lessen stigma, improve access to mental health care, and promote suicide prevention techniques that can save lives if we acknowledge suicide as a public health issue.