Direct Suicide

Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds.
Suicide is a global phenomenon and occurs throughout the lifespan and is the second leading
cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. In the Philippines, 3.3 million Filipinos suffer from
depressive disorders, with suicide rates in 2.5 females and 1.7 males per 100,000. There are
indications that for each adult who died by suicide there may have been more than 20 others
attempting suicide.
Which means every 28 seconds, someone attempts suicide.
But first, what is really the notion and divisions of suicide?
Suicide is the act of one who causes his own death, either by positively destroying his own life,
as by inflicting on himself a mortal wound or injury, or by omitting to do what is necessary to
escape death, as by refusing to leave a burning house.
Suicide is direct when a man has the intention of causing his own death, whether as an end to
be attained, or as a means to another end, as when a man kills himself to escape condemnation,
disgrace, ruin etc.
It is indirect, and not usually called by this name when a man does not desire it, either as an end
or as a means, but when he nevertheless commits an act which in effect involves death, as when
he devotes himself to the care of the plague-stricken knowing that he will succumb under the task.
Among the reasons considered sufficient to permit indirect suicide are the common good
examples are soldiers fighting for their country, and the spiritual good, like a priest administering
the sacraments to those suffering from contagious disease.
What are the causes?
Genetic and environmental influences have been identified as contributing factors for the
development of suicidal ideation.
Genetic: Heredity and genetics have an influence on an individual’s mental health and thus his or
her risk of engaging in suicidal ideation, as suicidal ideation is often linked to heritable mental
health disorders.
Environmental: Environmental influences may also be contributing factors for the development of
suicidal ideation. Stress and trauma are among the most common factors. Other possible causes
may include abuse, accidents, bullying, injuries, and being close to someone who also committed
suicide. Suicidal ideation may occur when a person is experiencing limited support, is exhausted,
or feels there is no better solution.
Risk Factors:

 A history of trauma, stress, violence, and/or being a victim of bullying

 Abuse and abandonment during childhood
 Being close to or knowing someone who has committed suicide
 A personal history of mental health disorders
 Family history of mental health disorders
What are the signs and symptoms?
Sadly, in many cases, suicidal ideation is not fully noticed and treated until the individual has
attempted suicide. There are, however, warning signs and symptoms to look for:
Behavioral symptoms:

 Sudden or drastic isolation from friends, family, or colleagues

 Avoiding daily and regular activities
 Self-mutilation and self-harm
 Giving personal belongings to other people
 A strong feeling of helplessness or hopelessness
 Talking about death and suicide
Physical symptoms:

 Changes in weight or diet routine

 Inability to think rationally or to concentrate
 Erratic sleeping patterns, often lack of sleep
 Having an obsession about death
 Relentless thoughts about death or escaping
Psychosocial symptoms:

 Severe depression
 Lack of enthusiasm
 Feeling anxious and stressed most the time
 A strong feeling of worthlessness and shame
 One warning sign that an individual has decided to take his or her own life is a sudden
calm in his or her nature after prolonged sadness or distress
What are the effects?
Individuals with suicidal ideation should be given immediate help. If not properly addressed,
suicidal ideation can lead to injuries, death, and other outcomes, including the following:

 Poor job or school performance

 Loss of job and loss of income
 Conflicts with personal relationships
 Conflicts with family and friends
 Comatose state
 Brain and nerve damage
 Paralysis
 Scars and deep cut wounds
 Organ damage or organ failure
What is the stand of church about suicide?

The intentional taking of one’s own life is wrong for several reasons: First, in the most basic
sense, each human being naturally seeks to his preserve life. To take our own life defies our
natural instinct to live.

Second, suicide violates a genuine love for oneself and one’s neighbors– family, friends,
neighbors, and even acquaintances. Other people need us and depend upon us in ways we may
not even know.

Finally, suicide defies the love we owe God. Sure, we all face the tough times, hardships, and
sufferings. However, we are called to place ourselves in the hands of God who will never abandon
us, but see us safely through this life. The words of the “Our Father”– “thy will be done” — must
be real for us. To commit suicide is to reject His “lordship” in our life.

Therefore, objectively, suicide is a mortal sin.

God has reserved to himself direct dominion over life; He is the owner of its substance and He
has given man only the serviceable dominion, the right of use, with the charge of protecting and
preserving the substance, that is, life itself. Consequently suicide is an attempt against the
dominion and right of ownership of the Creator. To this injustice is added a serious offence against
the charity which man owes to himself, since by his act he deprives himself of the greatest good
in his possession and the possibility of attaining his final end. Moreover, the sin may be
aggravated by circumstances, such as failure in conjugal, paternal, or filial piety, failure in justice
or charity, if by taking his life one eludes existing obligations of justice or acts of charity, which he
could and should perform.

We must be mindful that the preservation of our life– body and soul– is not something
discretionary but obligatory. We must preserve and nourish both our physical and spiritual life.
The Catechism asserts, “Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him.
It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and
preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life
God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of”

Religion alone, and especially the Catholic religion, instructs us with regard to the true destiny of
life and the importance of death; it alone furnishes a solution of the enigma of suffering, inasmuch
as it shows man living in a land of exile and suffering as a means of acquiring the glory and
happiness of a future life. By its doctrines of the efficacy of repentance and the practice of
confession it relieves the moral suffering of man; it forbids and prevents to a large extent the
disorders of life; in a word it is of a nature to prevent the causes which are calculated to impel a
man to the extreme act.

Any recommendation or suggestion？

You’re not alone; many of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. Feeling suicidal
is not a character defect, and it doesn’t mean that you are crazy, or weak, or flawed. It only means
that you have more pain than you can cope with right now. This pain seems overwhelming and
permanent at the moment. But with time and support, you can overcome your problems and the
pain and suicidal feelings will pass.
No matter how much pain you’re experiencing right now, you’re not alone. Some of the finest,
most admired, needed, and talented people have been where you are now. Many of us have
thought about taking our own lives when we’ve felt overwhelmed by depression and devoid of all
hope. But the pain of depression can be treated and hope can be renewed. No matter what your
situation, there are people who need you, places where you can make a difference, and
experiences that can remind you that life is worth living. It takes real courage to face death and
step back from the brink. You can use that courage to face life, to learn coping skills for
overcoming depression, and for finding the strength to keep going. Remember:
1. Your emotions are not fixed – they are constantly changing. How you feel today may not be
the same as how you felt yesterday or how you’ll feel tomorrow or next week.
2. Your absence would create grief and anguish in the lives of friends and loved ones.
3. There are many things you can still accomplish in your life.
4. There are sights, sounds, and experiences in life that have the ability to delight and lift you –
and that you would miss.
5. Your ability to experience pleasurable emotions is equal to your ability to experience distressing
emotions.

A suicidal crisis is almost always temporary

Although it might seem as if your pain and unhappiness will never end, it is important to realize
that crises are usually temporary. Solutions are often found, feelings change, unexpected positive
events occur. Remember: suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Give yourself
the time necessary for things to change and the pain to subside.

Take these immediate actions

Step #1: Promise not to do anything right now

Even though you’re in a lot of pain right now, give yourself some distance between thoughts and
action. Make a promise to yourself: “I will wait 24 hours and won’t do anything drastic during that
time.” Or, wait a week.
Thoughts and actions are two different things—your suicidal thoughts do not have to become a
reality. There is no deadline, no one’s pushing you to act on these thoughts immediately. Wait.
Wait and put some distance between your suicidal thoughts and suicidal action.

Step #2: Avoid drugs and alcohol

Suicidal thoughts can become even stronger if you have taken drugs or alcohol. It is important to
not use nonprescription drugs or alcohol when you feel hopeless or are thinking about suicide.

Step #3: Make your home safe

Remove things you could use to hurt yourself, such as pills, knives, razors, or firearms. If you are
unable to do so, go to a place where you can feel safe. If you are thinking of taking an overdose,
give your medicines to someone who can return them to you one day at a time as you need them.

Step #4: Don’t keep these suicidal feelings to yourself

Many of us have found that the first step to coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings is to share
them with someone we trust. It may be a family member, friend, therapist, member of the clergy,
teacher, family doctor, coach, or an experienced counselor at the end of a helpline. Find someone
you trust and let them know how bad things are. Don’t let fear, shame, or embarrassment prevent
you from seeking help. And if the first person you reach out to doesn’t seem to understand, try
someone else. Just talking about how you got to this point in your life can release a lot of the
pressure that’s building up and help you find a way to cope.

Step #5: Take hope – people DO get through this

Even people who feel as badly as you are feeling now manage to survive these feelings. Take
hope in this. There is a very good chance that you are going to live through these feelings, no
matter how much self-loathing, hopelessness, or isolation you are currently experiencing. Just
give yourself the time needed and don’t try to go it alone.
Reach out for help
Talk to someone who won’t try to argue about how you feel, judge you, or tell you to just “snap
out of it.” Find someone who will simply listen and be there for you.
It doesn’t matter who it is, as long as it’s someone you trust and who is likely to listen with
compassion and acceptance.