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1. PREVENTION OF SUICIDES

SUICIDE PREVENTION

MENTAL HEALTH

The state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities to cope with normal life stresses, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

Mental health is

ƒ. the foundation for thinking, communication, learning, resilience, and self-esteem

ƒ. key to personal well-being, relationships, and contributing to community or society

It involves the effective functioning in daily activities resulting in

ƒ. Productive activities (work, school, caregiving)

ƒ. Fulfilling relationships

ƒ. Ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity

MENTAL ILLNESS

Mental illness refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders—health conditions involving

ƒ. Significant changes in thinking, emotion, and/or behavior

ƒ. Distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities.

It is not always clear when a problem with mood or thinking has become serious enough to be a mental health concern. Sometimes, for example, a depressed mood is normal, such as when a person experiences the loss of a loved one. But if that depressed mood continues to cause distress or gets in the way of normal functioning, the person may benefit from professional care.

We need to encourage those with mental health challenges to seek mental health providers such as counsellors, psychiatrists, Marriage and Family Therapists, etc, to help them restore mental functionality. There is need to recognize that each one of us is prone to suffering from mental ill health and most of us know at least someone who either committed suicide or was saved from one. Suicides are preventable if we find help from the right people in good time. To prevent suicides, we need to assist those who seek help and direct them to the right places when they experience difficult times or have challenges in their lives.

Depression

Depression on the other hand, is a potentially serious medical condition that affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts. The primary signs of major depression are that the person feels sad or has no interest or pleasure in normal activities for about two weeks. Activities such as eating, socializing, sex, or recreation lose their appeal. Other symptoms:

ƒ. Changes in appetite

ƒ. Sleep changes (sleeping too much or being unable to sleep)

ƒ. Agitation, restlessness, or changes in motor movement

ƒ. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

ƒ. Problems thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

ƒ. Lack of energy, fatigue

ƒ. Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression is more intense and long-lasting than normal sadness. It can develop slowly, draining the energy, pleasure, and meaning from a person’s life. About 7% of adults experience major depression in any given year, and one in five women will experience it in their lifetime. Some people may express depression differently. For example, some people who are depressed may be more likely to complain of body aches or other physical symptoms than of mood or emotional symptoms.

Depression can take different forms.

ƒ. Major depressive disorder causes a person to feel deeply sad and unable to enjoy previously enjoyed activities for at least two weeks. Jobs, relationships, and life activities can be affected.

ƒ. Persistent depressive disorder (previously called dysthymic disorder) is a milder form of depression that persists for years at a time. People with dysthymia may feel gloomy, irritable, or tired much of the time. They may feel hopeless and have difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Their depressed mood can interfere with their relationships, work, and enjoyment of life.

ƒ. Postpartum depression refers to symptoms of major depression in a mother just before or after her baby is born (depression with peripartum onset).

SUICIDE

Suicide -The violence towards self with an intention to die. It involves the thinking, planning and attempting to kill oneself.

Self-harm—The intentional injury to self without the intention of dying so as to release negative emotions or manage psychological pain.

Common mental health illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder etc are positively associated with suicides and suicidal behaviour.

Kenya ranks 27th out of 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of a suicide rate per 100,000 people, according to the best available data. It is therefore a serious problem particularly when the cost of living in the country has continued to rise. Men are nearly four times more likely than women to take their own lives. Suicides however can be prevented. Risk of suicide can be minimized by knowing the risk factors and recognizing the warning signs.

Warning Signs of Suicide

Changes in behavior can be warning signs that someone may be thinking about or planning suicide.

ƒ. Often talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary

ƒ. Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless

ƒ. Expressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life; saying things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out”

ƒ. Increased alcohol and/or drug use

ƒ. Withdrawal from friends, family, and community

ƒ. Reckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without thinking

ƒ. Dramatic mood changes

ƒ. Giving away prized possessions, putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will.

Risk Factors for Suicide

Certain events and circumstances may increase the risk for suicide.

ƒ. Losses and other events (for example, the breakup of a relationship or a death, academic failures, legal difficulties, financial difficulties, bullying, job loss and unemployment)

ƒ. Previous suicide attempts

• Pre existing mental illness
• Feeling like a burden
• Genetic and biological factors
• Personality factors – people who internalize things

ƒ. History of trauma or abuse

ƒ. Keeping firearms in the home

ƒ. Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain

ƒ. Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others

ƒ. A history of suicide in the family

SUICIDE PREVENTION

1. Community cohesion

Let us build unity in our community so that we can provide strong social support to each other and particularly to those facing challenges.

 

1. Family strength

Have safe, supportive and nurturing homes for our families that offer optimal social and emotional development for our children. Psycho educate families to reduce risky behaviors like child abuse, domestic violence and even issues of separation and divorce.

 

1. Mental illness

Psycho educate our families and the community on how to provide and access mental health services in good time and to accept metal health support from family, friends and the professionals.

 

1. Organisational Institutions

Provide mental health services in our churches, schools, and workplaces, as well as find trusted community leaders to promote mental health and create an environment that is not toxic.

Those who commit suicide, therefore, are essentially mentally sick and suicide is normally a cry for help. Unfortunately for them, when they succeed its normally too late for them and their families. As parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, etc, its upon us to understand the warning signs for suicide in good time so that we are able to note the cry of our beloved before its too late. When we notice sudden changes in behaviour of our loved ones, let us try to take time off our busy schedules and talk to them. One commits suicide because according to them, no one was there to listen and talk to them.

Many people who have a mental illness do not want to talk about it. But mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of! It is a medical condition, just like heart disease or diabetes. And mental illnesses are treatable. Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of one’s age, gender, income, social status, race/ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, background, or other aspect of cultural identity. Let us always refer our people for counselling or medical attention when they seem to be facing life challenges.

Whenever you encounter mental health issues, Giving Hope Counselling services are always there for you. Call/WhatsApp us at +254721240462./ +254733932470 or email us at info@givinghope.co.ke . Read more articles on family welfare on the blog on our website, www.givinghope.co.ke . 
 

Peter Mugi Kuruga

Counselling Psychologist/Marriage and Family Therapist