Psychologists say suicide is usually not the result of a single factor. Rather, a combination of mental health problems, severe hopelessness, feelings of helplessness, traumatic experiences and life pressures can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
They emphasize that changes in behavior, isolation, hopelessness, and talking about death or having no purpose in life are among the signs that should not be ignored. Family support and timely access to professional help can be effective in preventing suicide.
However, mental health problems and psychological pressures appear differently in each person’s life. Salam Watandar has interviewed the families of two women who committed suicide, as well as a woman who attempted suicide but was rescued.
Zainab, a 24-year-old from Nili district of Daikundi, says her 20-year-old sister committed suicide a year ago. According to her, her sister had gradually experienced emotional and behavioral changes in the months before her death. She changed from a cheerful and energetic girl into a withdrawn person. Her sleep pattern changed, and she was worried most of the time.
“She became increasingly quiet and withdrawn, did not sleep well and had lost hope for the future. She sometimes shared her feelings with me and talked about being tired, having no purpose and having no hope for the future. We thought she was just upset and that she would get better with time. Now, when I think about the past, I realize there were signs that we did not take seriously,” she says.
Somaya (a pseudonym), from Samangan, also says her 16-year-old sister committed suicide about eight months ago. According to her, her sister had no mental health problems before she was engaged, but after the engagement, she opposed the marriage and became withdrawn and aggressive.
“Her problems started when she was engaged. During that time, she told my mother several times that she did not accept the engagement, but we thought she was saying these things out of anger and that she would change her mind later. Unfortunately, we did not take what she said seriously,” she adds.
Nazi, another 35-year-old from Badakhshan, says she became withdrawn after the death of her child. She cried most of the time, stopped going out, and experienced severe emotional distress whenever she saw her son’s belongings. This situation continued for several months, and eventually, as her feelings of helplessness intensified, she attempted suicide. However, she was taken to a hospital in time and was rescued. She says,
“When my only son, who was two years old, died, I gradually lost myself. My condition became very bad during the first two months. I shouted at others and became completely depressed. One day, because I could no longer bear the pain of losing my child, I attempted suicide and took all kinds of medicine that was available at home. Fortunately, I was taken to the hospital in time, and my stomach was washed out. After that, my husband took me to a psychologist, and after following the doctor’s advice, I gradually got better. After about five months, I had completely returned to my normal life.”
Meanwhile, Zuhal Amirzada, a psychologist, says mental health problems alone do not cause suicide, but when they are accompanied by severe hopelessness and feelings of helplessness, the risk of suicide increases. She explains,
“A mental health problem alone does not cause a person to commit suicide, but there are disorders that are closely linked to suicidal thoughts. These include severe depression and trauma that a person has experienced. Suicidal symptoms can also occur in people with borderline personality disorder, some psychotic disorders, body dysmorphic disorder and other disorders. However, this does not mean that a person with a mental health problem will attempt suicide. Suicide is usually the result of several factors. When a person is very hopeless in addition to having these disorders, the risk of suicide increases.”
Similarly, Sharafuddin Azimi, another psychologist, emphasizes that non-judgmental family support, not leaving a person alone when they are at risk, immediately referring them to a doctor or psychologist, assessing and treating mental health problems, and restricting access to dangerous items are important measures for preventing suicide.
“The family should listen to the person without judging them, and when they are at risk, they should not leave them alone and should support them. If a person has suicidal thoughts or has attempted suicide, they should be taken to a psychologist as soon as possible and, if necessary, kept under care at a clinic. Regular assessment by qualified professionals, treatment of mental health problems, restricting access to dangerous items and not leaving the person alone under critical conditions can also be effective in preventing suicide attempts,” he adds.
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day observed to raise awareness about suicide, draw attention to mental health and emphasize the importance of suicide prevention.
Reporter: Noda Zarafshan
