Tuesday, May 08, 2012
So many suicides
In less than two weeks the news of three suicides by hanging have stunned the nation. All three were young-the eldest a 36 yr old mother of three and the youngest a mere boy of 16 . The death of the 16 year old, a student at the prestigious Grammar School was as shocking as it was incomprehensible.From all reports,the talented artist who aspired to one day produce his own cartoon strip appeared his usual self on his last day at school. In an ideal world a 16 year old is too filled with expectation to harbour such dark thoughts. His death was a sharp reminder that even for the very young the promise of a rainbow is not enough.
I feel profound sadness for the lives lost. They were so young, so very young all of them. I don't know what broke their spirits but sadly at some point death became the best option. So many people are in pain but have learnt to show the world a smiling mask that covers deep hurts. As a people we have become so self engrossed that we have forgotten how to be our brothers keepers or have never learnt in the first place. Then we have a society that prefers not to acknowledge mental illness. Depression is not seen for the disease that it is but as something persons could easily snap out of if they only had the will. Or all they have to do is take it to the Lord and everything would be alright. Nothing could be further than the truth. I believe the prevailing attitude towards the disease probably hinders persons from seeking treatment. After all who wants to be called crazy?
If nothing these deaths should force all of us to do some introspection. Have we been good neighbours, friends, siblings etc? When last did we really listen to someone, offer an encouraging word or met a need? Are we carrying a burden that threatens to overwhelm us? Then reach out and find that person who can help you see that the rainbow's promise is enough to press on.
I feel profound sadness for the lives lost. They were so young, so very young all of them. I don't know what broke their spirits but sadly at some point death became the best option. So many people are in pain but have learnt to show the world a smiling mask that covers deep hurts. As a people we have become so self engrossed that we have forgotten how to be our brothers keepers or have never learnt in the first place. Then we have a society that prefers not to acknowledge mental illness. Depression is not seen for the disease that it is but as something persons could easily snap out of if they only had the will. Or all they have to do is take it to the Lord and everything would be alright. Nothing could be further than the truth. I believe the prevailing attitude towards the disease probably hinders persons from seeking treatment. After all who wants to be called crazy?
If nothing these deaths should force all of us to do some introspection. Have we been good neighbours, friends, siblings etc? When last did we really listen to someone, offer an encouraging word or met a need? Are we carrying a burden that threatens to overwhelm us? Then reach out and find that person who can help you see that the rainbow's promise is enough to press on.
# posted by Abeni @ 10:45 PM 
Comments:
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Indeed! just like cancer or a heart attack one should be able to seek help without worrying about being labeled or cast out.
We forget that we are to bare one another's burden.
We forget that we are to bare one another's burden.
Comments taken from another site:
While I accept that we cannot blame the Government for these suicidal cases; it must be alarming to the medical fraternity in SVG, at the frequent occurrence of suicidal deaths in such a short span of time. I think the Ministry of Health has to do a better job in bringing the issue of MENTAL ILLNESS to the forefront. Too many of our people are left to their own devices to cope with the many stresses of life.
Folks like Dr Slater will be able to shed light on this issue far better than I can…but MENTAL ILLNESS IS a disease that is NOT GIVEN THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES IN SVG. FOLKS WITH MENTAL ISSUES ARE READILY DISMISSED AS “CRAZY” AND MORE OFTEN THAN NOT BECOMES PARIAHS IN OUR SOCIETY WITH LITTLE OR NO CHANCE OF GETTING PROFESSIONAL HELP.
Here are some sobering stats on Suicide:
I. 10% of the people who commit suicide do so for no apparent reason.
II. 25% are classified as mentally unstable.
III. 45% commit suicide on an impulse.
IV. 25% commit suicide after giving it a lot of consideration and weighing the pros and cons of living and dying.
Dr Slater, what is the Ministry Of Health doing to EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS?
POSTED BY SAADISS | MAY 5, 2012, 16:35
While I accept that we cannot blame the Government for these suicidal cases; it must be alarming to the medical fraternity in SVG, at the frequent occurrence of suicidal deaths in such a short span of time. I think the Ministry of Health has to do a better job in bringing the issue of MENTAL ILLNESS to the forefront. Too many of our people are left to their own devices to cope with the many stresses of life.
Folks like Dr Slater will be able to shed light on this issue far better than I can…but MENTAL ILLNESS IS a disease that is NOT GIVEN THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES IN SVG. FOLKS WITH MENTAL ISSUES ARE READILY DISMISSED AS “CRAZY” AND MORE OFTEN THAN NOT BECOMES PARIAHS IN OUR SOCIETY WITH LITTLE OR NO CHANCE OF GETTING PROFESSIONAL HELP.
Here are some sobering stats on Suicide:
I. 10% of the people who commit suicide do so for no apparent reason.
II. 25% are classified as mentally unstable.
III. 45% commit suicide on an impulse.
IV. 25% commit suicide after giving it a lot of consideration and weighing the pros and cons of living and dying.
Dr Slater, what is the Ministry Of Health doing to EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS?
POSTED BY SAADISS | MAY 5, 2012, 16:35
# posted by 
: 3:50 PM
: 3:50 PM
SAADISS, I agree with your argument to some extent. The Medical fraternity really ought to take a serious look at this. This is really bothersome. I also think that we traditionally have not placed sufficient emphasis on Mental Health BUT its such a complex issue…that its much more than what the Min Health should have done or can do. As I stated previously causes of suicide are complex and varied…your information above bears that out. There have been many programs on Mental Health issues over the years…maybe not reaching those that it should…but that too is difficult…who should it get to?….ALL!!!! but some people dont listen, some dont take heed…etc..I had a similar problem as a professional managing HIV/AIDS in SVG…and this sort of problem is not in SVG alone…The need for more emphasis in Mental health is a global problem…certainly one Identified by the PAHO for our region. But lets continue with the constructive blogging…we may even come up with some ideas that may lead to some solutions….it may help someone…even my friend Blane ..because his comments suggest someone who may be suffering from some serious psychological disorder…I wouldnt even stoop to his level to respond to him…lets get on with positive blogging….
POSTED BY DOUG SLATER | MAY 6, 2012, 22:25
POSTED BY DOUG SLATER | MAY 6, 2012, 22:25
# posted by : 3:52 PM
: 3:52 PM
Saad you alive man. Seriously though mental health issues really need to be at the forefront.How we do this is the problem. I guess like most things it has to be constant education because people generally do not understand mental illness. How many times have we heard "he/she nah crazy,,they well know what they doing", Right there we see how much work we have to do. I agree too that the MOH has its work cut out in driving the awareness but we have to be on board too
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