Suicide Is Among The Second Most Frequent Cause Of Death Among Young People

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By Dr. Kala Singh MBBS

This week marked the world suicide prevention day. Suicide is the second most frequent cause of death among young Canadians between the ages of 15-30 years.

There are four types of suicidal crises. They are:

  1. Impulsive: After a fight, at the height of anger, disappointment in love, failure or disappointment, one can commit impulsive suicide.
  2. Serious physical illness: One can commit suicide as an escape from suffering.
  3. Communication suicide attempt: In this case one attempts suicide to communicate a message to the other person to change their behaviour. These people are crying for help and it should not be ignored.
  4. Mental Illness: People suffering from depression, mood disorder and schizophrenia can commit suicide. Depressed people have feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Preventing suicide

Most of suicides can be prevented if others could recognize the clues given by the victims. Some of the clues are:

  1. Statements like: I can’t take it anymore, I’ll have to do something now.

Don’t worry, I won’t be with you  people much longer.

Everyone will be better off without me.

I don’t want to be a burden on all of you.

Such statements should not be taken lightly. One must talk to someone making such statements and take professional help.

  1. Other clues, such as: suddenly making a will, giving one’s personal items to others, bidding farewells. If such clues are accompanied by depression, hopelessness, helplessness, wanting to die professional help must be taken.

Professional help can be sought from your family doctor, psychiatrist, health worker, mental health team, and social welfare agencies.

Different studies have concluded that suicide rates among immigrants from the Indian subcontinent, especially young women, appear to be high.

Most immigrant Indian communities have maintained their cultural identity and traditions even after generations of overseas residence. This tradition incorporates a premium on academic and economic success, a stigma attached to failure, the overriding authority of elders (especially parents or in-laws) and unquestioning compliance from younger family members, which have been cited as causes of self-harm among the young (male and female). These pressures are intensified in young Indian women given their rigidly defined roles in Indian society.

For more information Dr. Kala Singh can be contacted at 604 327 5253. Dr. Kala Singh did MBBS degree from Delhi University, India. He worked as Psychiatric Doctor in Africa for 21 years before immigrating to Canada. He also gives Sikh religious and spiritual counseling and psychotherapy to clients with stress and mental health problems.