My current job in psychiatry involves a lot of bargaining with people contemplating suicide. Anyway, it's got me thinking about suicide a lot recently. (I know what that sounds like - not really!) I wondered whether to blog about this or not. Doctors used to be discouraged from asking depressed patients about suicidal thoughts for fear of putting it in their heads! But current advice is that its always better to ask!
Suicide is one of those things which is a big part of our psyche, although its never really talked about. Phrases such as 'assisted suicide', 'suicide pacts', 'copycat suicides', 'suicide notes', or 'suicide bombers' immediately conjure up opinions and emotions. Here's the tutorial bit: Suicide is now more popular than ever with rates increasing by 60% worldwide over the last 45 years. The World Health Organization estimates that (again worldwide) approximately one million people (16 per 100,000) kill themselves annually. That's one death every 40 seconds! It's now in the top three leading causes of death in those aged 15-44 (both sexes). People are running out of hope and it's affecting all parts of society. A recent Royal College of Psychiatrists questionnaire suggested that 20% of junior doctors have considered suicide over the "deeply flawed" application system for training posts!
Suicide rates are highest in the former Soviet Bloc countries, rising dramatically after the fall of communism, Even Northern Ireland is experiencing a 'suicide epidemic', apparently another 'legacy of the troubles'. Our steadily-increasing annual numbers have nearly doubled in the last few years. There have been many reasons postulated for this rise. These include changing gender role expectations, increasing unemployment, poverty, alcohol and drug misuse and a breakdown in traditional family structures with a lack of social support. For some communities, 'the troubles' gave people a common sense of purpose and an identity to defend which may explain why peacetime and a loss of these things have boosted suicide figures in these areas. Some attempts are a "cry for help" from people who think they can no longer cope with the pressures of life rather than a genuine desire to die. Tragically, these people often succeed. Women attempt suicide more often than men but (in my experience) actually want to kill themselves less often. Men attempt it less often but more violently and are more likely to succeed.
The predominant view of modern society is that suicide is a mental illness. While it is more common in all forms of mental illness (especially depression), this is only part of the answer. Psychological contributing factors include poor coping skills, fear, pain, social/parental/job pressures, trauma, and grief. Not to mention the spiritual battle of depression generally ignored by modern medicine. Without getting into the spiritual ethics of suicide, Jesus said "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full". (John 10:10) Interestingly, even the French existentialist philosophers, Camus and Sartre, who did not believe in anything beyond this life, saw suicide as a rejection of freedom. They argued that instead of fleeing the absurd meaninglessness of life, we should embrace life passionately. I disagree with the philosophy but I echo that sentiment. No matter what we've done or what life has thrown us, Jesus loves us and offers life, hope, joy and a purpose. Giving up is never the best option.
Jesus again: "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matt 11:28-30, The Message)
Suicide is one of those things which is a big part of our psyche, although its never really talked about. Phrases such as 'assisted suicide', 'suicide pacts', 'copycat suicides', 'suicide notes', or 'suicide bombers' immediately conjure up opinions and emotions. Here's the tutorial bit: Suicide is now more popular than ever with rates increasing by 60% worldwide over the last 45 years. The World Health Organization estimates that (again worldwide) approximately one million people (16 per 100,000) kill themselves annually. That's one death every 40 seconds! It's now in the top three leading causes of death in those aged 15-44 (both sexes). People are running out of hope and it's affecting all parts of society. A recent Royal College of Psychiatrists questionnaire suggested that 20% of junior doctors have considered suicide over the "deeply flawed" application system for training posts!
Suicide rates are highest in the former Soviet Bloc countries, rising dramatically after the fall of communism, Even Northern Ireland is experiencing a 'suicide epidemic', apparently another 'legacy of the troubles'. Our steadily-increasing annual numbers have nearly doubled in the last few years. There have been many reasons postulated for this rise. These include changing gender role expectations, increasing unemployment, poverty, alcohol and drug misuse and a breakdown in traditional family structures with a lack of social support. For some communities, 'the troubles' gave people a common sense of purpose and an identity to defend which may explain why peacetime and a loss of these things have boosted suicide figures in these areas. Some attempts are a "cry for help" from people who think they can no longer cope with the pressures of life rather than a genuine desire to die. Tragically, these people often succeed. Women attempt suicide more often than men but (in my experience) actually want to kill themselves less often. Men attempt it less often but more violently and are more likely to succeed.
The predominant view of modern society is that suicide is a mental illness. While it is more common in all forms of mental illness (especially depression), this is only part of the answer. Psychological contributing factors include poor coping skills, fear, pain, social/parental/job pressures, trauma, and grief. Not to mention the spiritual battle of depression generally ignored by modern medicine. Without getting into the spiritual ethics of suicide, Jesus said "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full". (John 10:10) Interestingly, even the French existentialist philosophers, Camus and Sartre, who did not believe in anything beyond this life, saw suicide as a rejection of freedom. They argued that instead of fleeing the absurd meaninglessness of life, we should embrace life passionately. I disagree with the philosophy but I echo that sentiment. No matter what we've done or what life has thrown us, Jesus loves us and offers life, hope, joy and a purpose. Giving up is never the best option.
Jesus again: "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matt 11:28-30, The Message)
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