(no subject)
just ignore thisss.. it's for school ;; i dont have a way to get to it before .. so just. yeah.
Becca Abi-Saad
English pd. 4
June 8, 2005
Suicide
Imagine, just for a moment, having a loved one commit suicide. Questions may race through your mind such as: “What possibly could‘ve been so bad for her?”, “How could I not have seen this coming?” or even, “Why would he hurt me like this?” Scientists who study suicidal behavior, called suicidologists, can’t even answer these questions with 100% certainty. Of course, only one individual can answer all of these questions, but that individual is deceased. Our society, especially suicidologists, have many different ideas on why people feel they live any longer.
Studies of suicidal behavior began even before 1879, when Henry Morselli, an Italian professor of psychological medicine, wrote a book about the suicide statistics and influences he had previously explored. Morselli observed suicide rates relating to “ ‘cosmic-natural’ (climate, geological formations, and so on,), ethnological influences (races, nationalities), biological influences (sex, age), social conditions of the individual (civil status, profession, economic position, social status) and individual psychological influences.” (Hyde/Forsyth p.24) Morselli had some very interesting theories that probably would be disputed today, but he jumpstarted the study of a subject that had previously been avoided.
The French sociologist and philosopher, Emile Durkeim, came up with a classical study of the causes of suicide that was first published in 1897, eighteen years after Morselli’s. Durkeim categorized suicides into four main groups: Egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic. Egoistic suicide results when an individual can no longer find a reason to live. Most suicides in the United States are grouped into this category. Altruistic suicides are also known as “heroic suicides.” In some cultures, suicide is considered honorable, when the person is dedicated enough to a cause. According to Durkeim, anomic suicides relate to significant changes in an individual’s life, such as family relationships, career, or in any other important aspects of their life. Lastly, “Fatalistic suicides,” says author Margaret O. Hyde, “mostly occur among prisoners, slaves, or others in situations of excessive regulation.” (p.25) Durkeim inspired further research with these theories.
Durkeim’s theory “points” to the social situation being wrong whereas Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) thought suicidal urges were caused by a problem inside the individual. “Freud believed that life and death forces are in constant conflict in every person, even though these forces are unconscious.” Freud also believed that occasionally suicidal individuals may identify with the person he or she subconsciously wants to do away with; therefore hating themselves. His theories were “far more extensive”, as Hyde puts it, then theses two mentioned here. Freud developed these theories from 1881 to 1939. (Hyde/Forsyth, p.26)
David Lester, a professor of psychology, states in his book, Making Sense of Suicide, that, “…suicide does not happen suddenly; it is the result of a gradual process. Suicide behavior is detectable and most people give specific indications that they are suicidal.” (p.5) The professor goes on to list thirteen behavioral changes that should be viewed as warning signs. Some of these changes include constant discussion of suicide, negative comments made constantly about themselves, loss of interest in usual activities, and withdrawal from friends and family. (p.6-7) Lester seems to cover all bases of suicide in his book, and according to him, “Every 45 seconds, someone attempts it [suicide].Every 16.9 minutes, someone succeeds.”
In communities throughout the world, there are suicide prevention groups and crisis centers that are all determined to prevent suicide and advance its study. Funding for these centers usually comes from the local government, even when the centers are part of a clinic or a hospital. A professional staff is trained to assist the suicidal individuals as well as their families. A “primary service” offered by most centers is a 24-hour hotline. Hotline counselors are trained to help the caller and convince him or her not to hurt themselves. These hotlines provide a way to get the help suicidal individuals really need.
Some communities also have a program called Peer Supporters, or PS. Programs like this have surfaced in many schools nation-wide due to the “enormous” rise in teen suicide rates over the past couple of decades. PS is specially designed to “foster” peer relationships and develop much needed social skills amongst “high-risk” suicidal students. (p.173-174) Other programs schools offer include death education or suicide intervention and prevention. These programs can help not only the kids, but the parents by referring them to support groups in the area. “Perhaps as more and more people become aware of the pervasiveness and seriousness of the problem, they will seek out information on their own and make sure they learn how to respond to suicidal behavior. It is precisely for this reason that this book was written.” states David Lester. (p. 177)
M. Hyde and E. Forsyth, authors of Suicide, compiled a simple four-item list of what to do about suicidal loved ones. The list consists of subtitles such as: Believe it, Listen, Get Help, and Remove weapons of choice. Hyde/Forsyth also say, “Any sign that someone is considering suicide is an alarm, a call to action..” (p.96-97)
All in all, it’s quite clear that suicide is not a simple subject to observe. Many difficulties conceal a clear understanding of suicidal behavior. We know it’s gradual and that it’s potentially understandable in some instances. Unfortunately, it’s something not many people know much about. All we can do is inform them on how to spot the early warning signs and hope when they come across the symptoms, they’ll get help.
Becca Abi-Saad
English pd. 4
June 8, 2005
Suicide
Imagine, just for a moment, having a loved one commit suicide. Questions may race through your mind such as: “What possibly could‘ve been so bad for her?”, “How could I not have seen this coming?” or even, “Why would he hurt me like this?” Scientists who study suicidal behavior, called suicidologists, can’t even answer these questions with 100% certainty. Of course, only one individual can answer all of these questions, but that individual is deceased. Our society, especially suicidologists, have many different ideas on why people feel they live any longer.
Studies of suicidal behavior began even before 1879, when Henry Morselli, an Italian professor of psychological medicine, wrote a book about the suicide statistics and influences he had previously explored. Morselli observed suicide rates relating to “ ‘cosmic-natural’ (climate, geological formations, and so on,), ethnological influences (races, nationalities), biological influences (sex, age), social conditions of the individual (civil status, profession, economic position, social status) and individual psychological influences.” (Hyde/Forsyth p.24) Morselli had some very interesting theories that probably would be disputed today, but he jumpstarted the study of a subject that had previously been avoided.
The French sociologist and philosopher, Emile Durkeim, came up with a classical study of the causes of suicide that was first published in 1897, eighteen years after Morselli’s. Durkeim categorized suicides into four main groups: Egoistic, altruistic, anomic, and fatalistic. Egoistic suicide results when an individual can no longer find a reason to live. Most suicides in the United States are grouped into this category. Altruistic suicides are also known as “heroic suicides.” In some cultures, suicide is considered honorable, when the person is dedicated enough to a cause. According to Durkeim, anomic suicides relate to significant changes in an individual’s life, such as family relationships, career, or in any other important aspects of their life. Lastly, “Fatalistic suicides,” says author Margaret O. Hyde, “mostly occur among prisoners, slaves, or others in situations of excessive regulation.” (p.25) Durkeim inspired further research with these theories.
Durkeim’s theory “points” to the social situation being wrong whereas Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) thought suicidal urges were caused by a problem inside the individual. “Freud believed that life and death forces are in constant conflict in every person, even though these forces are unconscious.” Freud also believed that occasionally suicidal individuals may identify with the person he or she subconsciously wants to do away with; therefore hating themselves. His theories were “far more extensive”, as Hyde puts it, then theses two mentioned here. Freud developed these theories from 1881 to 1939. (Hyde/Forsyth, p.26)
David Lester, a professor of psychology, states in his book, Making Sense of Suicide, that, “…suicide does not happen suddenly; it is the result of a gradual process. Suicide behavior is detectable and most people give specific indications that they are suicidal.” (p.5) The professor goes on to list thirteen behavioral changes that should be viewed as warning signs. Some of these changes include constant discussion of suicide, negative comments made constantly about themselves, loss of interest in usual activities, and withdrawal from friends and family. (p.6-7) Lester seems to cover all bases of suicide in his book, and according to him, “Every 45 seconds, someone attempts it [suicide].Every 16.9 minutes, someone succeeds.”
In communities throughout the world, there are suicide prevention groups and crisis centers that are all determined to prevent suicide and advance its study. Funding for these centers usually comes from the local government, even when the centers are part of a clinic or a hospital. A professional staff is trained to assist the suicidal individuals as well as their families. A “primary service” offered by most centers is a 24-hour hotline. Hotline counselors are trained to help the caller and convince him or her not to hurt themselves. These hotlines provide a way to get the help suicidal individuals really need.
Some communities also have a program called Peer Supporters, or PS. Programs like this have surfaced in many schools nation-wide due to the “enormous” rise in teen suicide rates over the past couple of decades. PS is specially designed to “foster” peer relationships and develop much needed social skills amongst “high-risk” suicidal students. (p.173-174) Other programs schools offer include death education or suicide intervention and prevention. These programs can help not only the kids, but the parents by referring them to support groups in the area. “Perhaps as more and more people become aware of the pervasiveness and seriousness of the problem, they will seek out information on their own and make sure they learn how to respond to suicidal behavior. It is precisely for this reason that this book was written.” states David Lester. (p. 177)
M. Hyde and E. Forsyth, authors of Suicide, compiled a simple four-item list of what to do about suicidal loved ones. The list consists of subtitles such as: Believe it, Listen, Get Help, and Remove weapons of choice. Hyde/Forsyth also say, “Any sign that someone is considering suicide is an alarm, a call to action..” (p.96-97)
All in all, it’s quite clear that suicide is not a simple subject to observe. Many difficulties conceal a clear understanding of suicidal behavior. We know it’s gradual and that it’s potentially understandable in some instances. Unfortunately, it’s something not many people know much about. All we can do is inform them on how to spot the early warning signs and hope when they come across the symptoms, they’ll get help.