Looking at Suicide as A Psychological Disorder

Looking at Suicide as A Psychological Disorder

Suicide is a psychological disorder that affects millions of people

and families all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO),

in conjunction with Harvard and the World Bank, estimated in 1997 that

each year that some 786,000 people commit suicide around the world.

This is an effective suicide rate of around 10.7 per 100,000

populations per year. (Miles, April 1998) That is an astounding number

of suicides each year.

This disorder is becoming a major problem among teens. A government

survey shows that close to 3 million Americans ages 12 to 17

considered suicide in 2000 and more than a third of those tried to

kill themselves. The percentage for teenagers 14-15 and 16-17 was 13.7

percent for each age group. (Miles, April 1998)

However, this disorder does not only effect the young, old or the

economically deprived it effects every class level and culture.

Suicide is not a distinct disorder, but a symptom of serious mental

disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. The symptoms of

suicide (Warning signs) are as follows:

v Signs of Depression:

Person exhibits signs of depression such as:

à Social withdrawal

à Poor eye contact

à Depressed or agitated mood, despair, grief, guilt, shame,

hopelessness, or helplessness.

à Loss of interest in formally pleasurable activities.

à Moodiness(Fast changes from depression to calmness, shifting moods

hot/cold)

à Behavioral, Eating, sleeping, and personality changes.

à Self destructive behavior

à Heavy use of drugs or alcohol

v Previous Suicide attempts:

à Past history of suicide attempts.

v Recent life crisis or trauma:

à Depression, divorce, grief over the loss of a loved one or job, or

an accident

v Gives away possessions:

à Disposal of loved or cherished belongings.

v Preoccupation with death or dying:

à Speaks of death quite often, and/or makes preparations for death

(exp.: making out a will, writing letters to be opened after their

death).