WESTERN BUREAU:
SUICIDE REMAINS a serious problem in the Jamaican psyche, even though last year's 42 cases of suicide were a noticeable reduction on the 64 cases of the previous year. This traumatic act of taking one's own life continues to be a source of great anguish for many Jamaican families.
Although victims are oftentimes characterised in death as selfish and stupid, in the eyes of trained health professionals, suicide is almost an involuntary act, which stems from untreated mental disorders. In fact, some experts believe the victims see death as the answer to insurmountable problems,
pressure and pain.
"Suicide is really a sign of mental disorder, which is commonly brought on by depression," said noted Jamaican psychiatrist, Dr. Wendel Abel, former head of the psychiatric department at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay. "It is important that symptoms of depression are spotted early so that help can be sought," he said.
According to Dr. Abel, depression is quite common in Jamaica, affecting one in every five women and one of every 10 men. Although it carries a myriad of symptoms, it is oftentimes not readily diagnosed, and in some instances, people recognise that they do have a problem but choose not to seek medical help.
"More females try suicide here in Jamaica but more men succeed in doing it," said Dr. Abel. "The women tend to use less lethal methods, such as an overdose of pills, while the men tend to use more fatal methods such as ingesting poison or hanging themselves. "
SUICIDE AND THE CHURCH
Although some religious groups brand suicide as the manifestation of extreme demon possession and a sure pathway to hell and an eternity of fire and brimstone for the victim, some church leaders agree that suicide is a manifestation of mental illness. This, they believe, robs victims of rationality and leaves them helpless.
"I would not say it is devilishness, neither would I say it is a mental situation either," said Pastor James Richards of the Hillview Baptist Church in Montego Bay. "People usually commit suicide because they become hopeless and I don't think hopelessness is a mental illness."
"It is really more a case of people with problems trying to cope outside of God's guidance and end up making the wrong choice," continued Pastor Richards.
He said he knows of instances where persons have expressed a desire to kill themselves and the Church has been able to work with them in getting to the bottom of their problem and they have since moved on to enjoy productive lives.
Said he: "We try to identify the problem and work with them to find solutions. We generally provide counselling, but in some of the critical situations, we also provide companionship to ensure the person stays safe."
WATCH OUT FOR SYMPTOMS!
In looking at some of the cases of hopelessness and depression, especially in young adults who represent most of the victims, Dr. Abel said the major symptoms are prolonged bouts of sadness; lack of energy; irritability; sleeping disorder; and substance abuse. He also noted that a person who tries to commit suicide once is at serious risk to try again.
"Parents should try to develop a good relationship with their children so that they will feel comfortable sharing their problems with them," said Dr. Abel. "In the instances where children might be reluctant to go to their parents, they could speak to peer counsellors, guidance counsellors, ministers of religion or in the case of Montego Bay, the Child Guidance Clinic at the Cornwall Regional Hospital."
While women tend to suffer silently with their state of depression, Dr. Abel said Jamaican men tend to hide their problems by turning to alcoholism. According to him, alcoholism is often used to mask an underlying symptom of depression.
However, while drinking appears to offer temporary respite, Dr. Abel noted that once the problem is not treated, the drinker remains at serious risk. In fact, he said the situation is likely to get worse if it remains untreated.
"Instead of drinking, these men really need to seek help because severe depression usually leads to a person becoming suicidal," noted Dr. Abel. "Once depression starts turning to thoughts of suicide, help should be sought immediately."
As a means of spotting and identifying cases of hopelessness and depression, both Dr. Abel and Pastor Richards agree that once there are obvious signs of problems on the part of a family member or associate, the person should be encouraged to seek help.
"The quicker the problem is identified and dealt with, the greater the chances of the person getting help in time," said Dr. Abel. "It is a problem that can affect just about anybody."
