Phuket Opinion: Don't Ignore The Signs Of Suicide

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Opinion: Don’t ignore the signs of suicide
Phuket Gazette - Sunday, May 5, 2013 8:40:00 AM

We should all be aware of the signs of suicide and be prepared to lend a helping hand. Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: Mankind, the first of nature’s creations has so “fully evolved” that some of our number willingly end their own lives.

For those among us who have never had to battle depression, the very idea of committing suicide probably seems like the ultimate waste. After all, our time on this inexplicable stage called “life” is ephemeral enough indeed – why make it any shorter?

Scientists tell us that the Earth has been around for 4.5 billion years, but the longest we can hope to spend on it is about 100 years.

This works out to a percentage so tiny that it cannot even be computed by the average desktop calculator. We live in an incredible age. We can type ‘how old is the universe?’ into a search engine like Google and the answer pops up instantaneously in big, bold letters: 13.77 billion years.

Nowadays we have instant answers for just about everything, but when it comes to figuring out why some people choose to end their own lives the reasons are not so simple.

Those of us so unfortunate as to have to endure chronic pain may view suicide as a final way out of suffering, or even as an act of compassion toward those who, motivated by love, have worked hard to provide us with the care we can no longer provide ourselves.

Demographic researchers might view a rising trend in suicide rates as more of a 'rats in a cage' statistical phenomenon, dismissing it as the inevitable consequence of global overpopulation – a subject that gets far less attention than it deserves by mainstream media.

Most baffling are the many cases in which healthy and talented young people choose to nip their own existence in the bud. All too often they tend to be empathetic and creative types, like Kurt Cobain, who gave much enjoyment to many others but nevertheless found existence too unbearable to endure.

As unpalatable as it may be, we have to accept the fact that we will all be dead 100 years from now. Deal with that reality as you will, but the real challenge to each and every one of us is how to optimize this incredible opportunity we call life. We may not know why we are here or what happens after we die, but one thing is pretty clear: actions based on greed, self-interest and other inhumane, narcissistic traits seldom, if ever, bring happiness.

Phuket may brand itself as a “sea, sun and sky” destination, but for far too many visitors it also becomes, quite literally, a tragic “last resort”. For this reason, we should be aware of signs, subtle or otherwise, of a potential suicide in anyone around us, and be prepared to reach out to save a life.

Few experiences in life are more satisfying than helping others; saving the life of another is the ultimate form of this. The life you save could indeed be your own.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Phuket-Opinion-Don-t-ignore-the-signs-of-suicide-20950.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2013-05-05

[asupeartea]

First sign off suicide in Thailand = gold digger girlfriend.

Second, she spends lots of time with her male "cousin".

Third, she demands a fully paid-for house and car in her name.

Fourth, .......

[JetsetBkk]

It would be helpful if the reason for each suicide, once known, was actually published as a follow up story, maybe with necessary names removed to protect the innocent. This could help people prevent someone else in the same situation from doing the same thing.

Unfortunately, even stating that you wonder what the reason was, causes some members of this forum to get upset: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/637128-phuket-police-suspect-american-died-of-drug-overdose/?p=6368209

[rshoemake]

Or perhaps they should have included the signs to look out for?

[rbrooks]

First sign off suicide in Thailand = gold digger girlfriend.

Second, she spends lots of time with her male "cousin".

Third, she demands a fully paid-for house and car in her name.

Fourth, .......

Fourth and last, the balcony (Thai natural death)

[bangkokpoppys]

I've lost a good friend this way. He was the master of disguise, everyone gob smacked and a 400 strong turn out for the funeral.

There are those we may suspect of being likely to suicide, and those who we would not. No magic formula here.

It's also a curse on the living who may ultimately feel guilt for not doing more for a friend.

No simple formula for detection is my view.

[asupeartea]

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide

SUICIDE WARNING -- Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. P

The best way to minimize the risk of suicide is to know the risk factors and to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Take these signs seriously. Know how to respond to them. It could save someone's life.

© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

How Prevalent Is Suicide?

Suicide is a potentially preventable public health problem. In 2009, the last year for which statistics are available, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. That year, there were nearly 37,000 suicides, and 1 million people attempted suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Men take their lives nearly four times the rate of women, accounting for 79% of suicides in the U.S.

Are There Risk Factors for Suicide?

Risk factors for suicide vary by age, gender, and ethnic group. And risk factors often occur in combinations.

Over 90% of people who die by suicide have clinical depression or another diagnosable mental disorder. Many times, people who die by suicide have a substance abuse problem. Often they have that problem in combination with other mental disorders.

Adverse or traumatic life events in combination with other risk factors, such as clinical depression, may lead to suicide. But suicide and suicidal behavior are never normal responses to stress.

Other risk factors for suicide include:

One or more prior suicide attempts

Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence

Physical or sexual abuse

Keeping firearms in the home

Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain

Incarceration

Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others

Are There Warning Signs of Suicide?

Warning signs that someone may be thinking about or planning to commit suicide include:

Always talking or thinking about death

Clinical depression -- deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating -- that gets worse

Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving fast or running red lights

Losing interest in things one used to care about

Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless

Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will

Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"

Sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy

Talking about suicide or killing one's self

Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Be especially concerned if a person is exhibiting any of these warning signs and has attempted suicide in the past. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, between 20% and 50% of people who commit suicide have had a previous attempt.

Other help on WebMD

You Don't Have to Live With Depression

Understand the symptoms of depression, from sadness to hopelessness to headache.

Depression Myths and Facts

Whats Causing Your Depression?

Getting Help: Where You Can Look

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

18 Positive Steps to Feel Better

Edited May 6, 2013 by asupeartea

[Dap]

Or perhaps they should have included the signs to look out for?

Perhaps.

Edited May 6, 2013 by Dap

[Dap]

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide

SUICIDE WARNING -- Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. P

The best way to minimize the risk of suicide is to know the risk factors and to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Take these signs seriously. Know how to respond to them. It could save someone's life.

© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

How Prevalent Is Suicide?

Suicide is a potentially preventable public health problem. In 2009, the last year for which statistics are available, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. That year, there were nearly 37,000 suicides, and 1 million people attempted suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Men take their lives nearly four times the rate of women, accounting for 79% of suicides in the U.S.

Are There Risk Factors for Suicide?

Risk factors for suicide vary by age, gender, and ethnic group. And risk factors often occur in combinations.

Over 90% of people who die by suicide have clinical depression or another diagnosable mental disorder. Many times, people who die by suicide have a substance abuse problem. Often they have that problem in combination with other mental disorders.

Adverse or traumatic life events in combination with other risk factors, such as clinical depression, may lead to suicide. But suicide and suicidal behavior are never normal responses to stress.

Other risk factors for suicide include:

One or more prior suicide attempts

Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence

Physical or sexual abuse

Keeping firearms in the home

Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain

Incarceration

Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others

Are There Warning Signs of Suicide?

Warning signs that someone may be thinking about or planning to commit suicide include:

Always talking or thinking about death

Clinical depression -- deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating -- that gets worse

Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving fast or running red lights

Losing interest in things one used to care about

Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless

Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will

Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"

Sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy

Talking about suicide or killing one's self

Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Be especially concerned if a person is exhibiting any of these warning signs and has attempted suicide in the past. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, between 20% and 50% of people who commit suicide have had a previous attempt.

Other help on WebMD

You Don't Have to Live With Depression

Understand the symptoms of depression, from sadness to hopelessness to headache.

Depression Myths and Facts

Whats Causing Your Depression?

Getting Help: Where You Can Look

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

18 Positive Steps to Feel Better

Very kind of you to post. Thank you.

[andreandre]

"Tragically, suicide is a fatal response to a treatable illness, usually depression." Douglas Jacobs, MD, President & CEO, Screening for Mental Health and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Edited May 7, 2013 by andreandre

[Penefattore]

no wonder people commit suicide in Phuket resorts : once they see the check out bill...