A Global Rise In Suicide Rates: Who’s To Blame?
Mental health around the world has remained a subject of debate for quite some time now. The incidence and prevalence of mental disorders have increased over the years. However, unlike the old times, people have started approaching psychiatrists and psychologists for help.
Death By Choice
A person suffering from mental distress often finds themselves in hopeless, dark, and depressing situations. This is why it’s important to seek treatment for mental disorders. If left unchecked or untreated, they can lead to suicide and self-harm in extreme cases.
In the past few weeks, two high-profile celebrity deaths by suicide have come into light. A new government report released in the US detailed a rise in suicide rates, a topic that’s often avoided, judged or even whispered about.
Kate Spade Chose Gloom Over Bloom
An American fashion icon, Kate Spade hanged herself to death on June 5, 2018. It was stated that a designer who chose vibrant colors for her bags and was worth millions of dollars could not be diagnosed with depression or any other mental illness. However, it is to be noted that mental illness does not depend on the standard of living or profession. Anyone can be a victim of it.
According to the studies, people who attempt suicide are unable to cope with depression, anxiety, and failure along with their normal life and lose the sense of purpose. If you meet people with a happy-go-lucky lifestyle, do not assume that they are not facing any troubles. Fame and achievements can sometimes pave the way for depression, and not everyone can cope with it.
In Asian countries, the prevalence of suicidal attempts is more in women than man due to social and cultural barriers. However, it is also common amongst women in the developed countries due to the set beauty and economic standards.
Turns out That Too Much Sugar and Spice Can Take Life
Anthony Bourdain, a celebrity chef, hanged himself on June 8, 2018. He belonged to the “strong men don’t ask for help” generation. Although according to his well-wishers it has been claimed that Anthony Bourdain did reach out for help and yet ignored the doctor’s advice.
He had been fighting a war against depression for a long time. Despite a good relationship with his girlfriend and a well-settled business, he still went through mental instability. The stigma of asking for help and mental illness is one of the reasons why people are hesitant in seeking treatment.
Is Happy Place A Thing Or Is It The People Who Create That Vibe?
Recently a man died after a suicidal attempt in Masjid al-Haram, the grand mosque of Makkah. Islam prohibits suicide, and yet we get to see this in the Holiest of all the places for Muslims.
WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT
This shows that it’s not the place or the people that you are surrounded with but the mental illness that leads to such incidents. This was not the first incident. Last year a man tried to set himself on fire but was fortunate enough to be stopped by the police. The question that arises is that how can someone who managed to go that far, where one asks for nothing but forgiveness, ended up killing themselves.
Is it the guilt or just a disease? People get confused between the two and start with the blame game due to lack of understanding and knowledge.
A Disease Needs to Be Cured and Not Just Talked out
When the mental state becomes unstable for a prolonged period and starts affecting your lifestyle and choices, it becomes a disease. This is when it becomes imperative to reach out for help. At this point, one needs to break the social barriers and accept help to recover from this crippling disease.
Sources:
https://pagesix.com/2018/06/09/the-troubling-signs-leading-up-to-anthony-bourdains-suicide/
http://www.businessinsider.com/kate-spade-death-part-of-rising-suicide-trend-2018-6
http://fortune.com/2018/06/05/kate-spade-found-dead-suicide/
