SUICIDE

Mortido Freud says that all people have a “death wish” or mortido Mortido can show itself in: –Smoking –Drinking –Drug use –Sexual promiscuity –Risky behavior –Etc.

Émile Durkheim Emile Durkheim – French Sociologist 4 Types of Suicide 1.Egoistic  Person feels detached from the world – alone. Nobody understands or cares. 2.Altruistic  Person feels that the good of society is the greater good, over their own needs – even over their life -- “suicide for a cause” 3.Anomic  Caused BY a breakdown of society. Person feels unable to live in the society; needs can never be met. 4.Fatalistic  Living under an oppressive government, living in prison, etc. Person feels it is better to die.

Suicide Statistics Suicide is the 10 th leading cause of death in this country. Suicide is the 3 rd leading cause of death among adolescents Suicide rate is highest among the elderly They are at the bottom of the list for suicide threats and attempts HOWEVER at the TOP of the list for completed suicides. Most common times for suicide: –Springtime –Christmas

The Elderly & Suicide Possible Reasons: Feeling unwanted and useless Physical problems Loss of employment Economic problems Death of others close to them –Etc.

“Suicide does not occur suddenly or unpredictably, or inevitably.” Warning Signs of Suicide 1. Suicide Attempt Don’t dismiss! They may in fact be seeking attention, but if they don’t get it, they will try again and succeed!

2. Suicide Threat – Same as an attempt, don’t dismiss this! 3. Situational Hint – Something happening either within the person or outside of the person. Precipitating factors (ranked in order) 1. poor health 2. economic distress 3. divorce 4. domestic problems 5. death of a loved one If someone begins to give away prized possessions along with other hints. If someone who has been depressed for a long time suddenly is very happy for no apparent reason – they may be happy because they feel “their pain will soon be over.”

4. Family Hint Feeling responsible for family problems (Who in The Shack felt this way?)Feeling responsible for family problems (Who in The Shack felt this way?) Family scapegoatFamily scapegoat Emotionally tied to another family member who is going through depression themselvesEmotionally tied to another family member who is going through depression themselves 5. Emotional Hint DepressionDepression Little hope for a positive futureLittle hope for a positive future Lack of energy or sexual driveLack of energy or sexual drive Physical complaintsPhysical complaints Wanting to be alone all the timeWanting to be alone all the time Pre-occupied with self, or putting self downPre-occupied with self, or putting self down Neglecting personal hygiene and appearanceNeglecting personal hygiene and appearance Poor appetitePoor appetite Mood SwingsMood Swings 6. Mental Illness -- Lowering of self-preservation instinct (not psychotic necessarily)

How can we help someone in this situation? 1. Be aware of the warning signs 2. Maintain a relationship based on total acceptance of the person Listen – let them vent Don’t moralize or lecture them Accept the person, not the deed Concentrate on words and actions – show concern

3.Identify the source of the distress. Just like talking to terminally ill patients – let them express feelings freely. 4.Look for problem-solving resources that the person may have – i.e. How have they solved problems before? 5.Identify the person’s values – Find what is important to them (family, friends, etc.) and capitalize on that! 6.Don’t try to handle the problem alone! 7.Remove from the premises any weapons or potentially dangerous medications

To those who have lost someone to suicide, be supportive. DON’T JUDGE Be sincere and don’t “try too hard.” “The most meaningful way to relieve guilt is by transforming any errors of the past into more noble behavior in the future.” “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you”

Remember that suicide is a “permanent solution to a temporary problem.”