Suicide; the dream killer

By Chris Onokpegu with agency reports

George Adakole is a graduate of Accounting from one of the leading universities in Nigeria. He graduated with distinctions but all attempts to get a job for more than three years proved abortive.

Suicide bomber detonated a bomb in a car

Adakole became frustrated and was contemplating on what to do because he does not have anybody to run and his parents who laboured very hard to send him to school are also looking up to him to take care of them.

He couldn’t pay the landlord from the little money he was getting from the menial job he was doing hence he became depressed. One day as he was thinking of how to poison himself when somebody walked into his room and that was how he escaped committing suicide.

Adakole is one of the people out there that would have died through suicide but today he is doing very well after securing a job with one of the multi-national oil companies in the country.

Some days ago, a medical doctor by name Dr. Orji was not that lucky as he was said to have jumped into the Lagos Lagoon after receiving a phone call. He was said to have been driven to the spot in his Nissan SUV, stopped the driver with the excuse that he wanted to check something on the body of the car and jumped into the river.

Meanwhile, research has shown that people commit suicide for different reasons and the victims usually take different steps depending on the one that come to their mind first.

Study has revealed that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in most parts of the world but not common in Nigeria. Investigation carried disclosed that those who have been shown to be at a higher risk for suicide are mostly men over age 45.

However, there is no single reason why someone may want to take his or her own life, but certain factors can increase the risk. About 90 percent of people who commit suicide have mental illness at the time of their death. Depression is the top risk factor.

Aside from mental illnesses, there are several risk factors that may contribute to thoughts of suicide, attempted suicide and actual suicide. They include:

Physical abuse: People who are victim to physical abuse either growing up or in a relationship can be traumatized. They may harbor feelings of guilt and shame that stay trapped inside for years.

Sexual abuse: Any form of sexual abuse can lead a person to feeling depressed and suicidal. In cases of molestation and rape, a person is forced to perform sexual acts against their will. This can result in significant psychological trauma caused to the victim. When unreported or not addressed, this trauma can make a person feel highly suicidal.

War: Being involved in a war can lead a person to see death, horrendous injuries, and feel fearful for their own life. Seeing others die and injured in a war can lead to trauma which may sometimes result in suicide.

Bullying: Most people experience bullying to some degree while growing up and going through school. Most people that are bullied end up feeling extremely depressed, worthless, and hopeless to change their situation.

Personality Disorders: Personality disorders are considered a set of traits that make it difficult to function within society. People with a personality disorder may have trouble maintaining relationships, holding down a steady job, and/or coping with life.

Drug Addiction/Substance Abuse: People that are addicted to drugs or alcohol on a consistent basis are more likely to become depressed. Many people use drugs to escape painful feelings of depression and hopelessness of their current life situation. Being addicted to drugs or alcohol may provide some short-term relief from the pain that they feel, but over the long term, drug use tends to alter brain functioning and neurotransmitters.

Eating Disorders: they are series of dysfunctional eating patterns that satisfy the person in ways other than nutrition. Many eating disorders are thought to be caused by body image problems, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues.

Unemployment: With a poor economy, many people lose their jobs and look for new work, but since the competition is fierce, landing a new job can be difficult. In many cases being unemployed not only makes people feel as if they have no purpose in life, it can lead to depression over lack of an income as well.

Social Isolation/Loneliness: Living isolated from others can lead to an array of problems including mental health conditions, low energy, substance abuse, negative feelings, and/or sleep problems. If the loneliness or social isolation is not addressed, it may lead someone to consider suicide as an escape from their situation.

Relationship problems: Many people struggle with relationships including being in abusive relationships, not feeling appreciated, and/or going through break-ups. As far as romantic relationships are concerned, the act of a break-up can trigger intense feelings of depression, anxiety, guilt and panic – leading a person to deal with a lot of emotional pain.

Genetics/Family History: A lot of suicide risk has to do with genetics and family history. Those who are from a family in which suicide is common are more likely to commit suicide themselves. Various traits including: aggression, borderline personality disorder, cognitive inflexibility, and stress sensitivity are all linked to influencing suicidal behavior. If you inherit any of these traits, they could put you at an increased risk of suicide.

Terminal Illness: People with terminal illnesses aren’t able to treat or make any sort of improvement towards getting better. Terminal illnesses such as various types of cancer usually leave a person frustrated, shocked and feeling hopeless.

Chronic Pain: If you have chronic pain, it means that you have had daily pain that has persisted for between three and six months. Dealing with pain on a daily basis can drive some people into depression, and in some cases, suicide.

Financial Problems: People who are struggling financially sometimes see no end in sight to their debt and bills. The financial stress can take a major toll on a person’s mental health. There have been cases of even millionaires committing suicide because they spent all of their money or had to file for bankruptcy.

Prescription Drugs: The side effects of various prescription drugs such as anti-depressants can result in suicidal ideation. In other words, these drugs affect levels of neurotransmitters that can sometimes put a person at increased risk for suicide.

It is advisable for people who are at risk of suicide to see a medical doctor for treatment because treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your suicidal thoughts and behavior.

In addition to taking medication and participating in talk therapy, you can reduce your risk for suicide by making certain adjustments to your lifestyle. These include:

Avoiding alcohol and drugs: Abstaining from using alcohol and drugs is critical, as these substances can increase the frequency of suicidal thoughts.

Exercising regularly: Exercising at least three times per week, especially outdoors and in moderate sunlight, can also help. Physical activity stimulates the production of certain brain chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed.

Sleeping well: It is also important to get at least six to eight hours of sleep each night. Consult a doctor if you are having trouble sleeping.

To prevent suicidal thoughts, you can talk to someone. You should never try to manage suicidal feelings entirely on your own. Getting professional help and support from loved ones can make it easier to overcome any challenges that are causing suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Taking medications as directed. You should never change your dosage or stop taking your medications unless your doctor tells you to do so. Your suicidal feelings may return and you may develop withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking your medications.

Never skip an appointment. It is important to attend all your therapy sessions and health care provider’s appointments. Sticking with your treatment plan is the best way to overcome suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Pay attention to warning signs. Work with your doctor or therapist to learn about the possible triggers for your suicidal feelings. This will help you recognize the signs of danger early on and decide what steps to take ahead of time.

Eliminate access to lethal methods of suicide. Get rid of any firearms, knives, or dangerous medications if you worry that you might act on suicidal thoughts.

While it can be hard to know how someone is feeling on the inside, there are various behaviours that can indicate suicidal tendencies which could serve as warning signs. Taking action may help prevent a tragic suicide attempt or death.

Diagnosing and assessing people who are at risk for suicide

Doctors are capable of determining whether you are at a high risk for suicide based on your symptoms, personal history, and family history.

The doctor will want to know when the symptoms started and how often one experience them. They will also ask about past or current medical problems and about certain conditions that may run in the family. Please avoid self-help by consulting your doctor for further examination.