Understanding Suicide

The scourge of suicide has been sweeping through nations, obliterating families emotionally, physically, and financially. No one is spared. Friends, neighbours, work colleagues and relatives are all left reeling in shock. Some may even describe an act of suicide as a massive explosion – the shrapnel races through the air, wounding everyone in sight. The scars remain forever etched in their hearts.

The questions are endless. Why? What was so bad that it couldn’t be fixed? Why didn’t they reach out to someone, anyone! How do you reach a point where you plot and plan to take your life, and then gather the strength to go through with it? Did they take a moment to consider their spouses?

Did they perhaps ponder upon the tears that would be streaming down their children’s faces? Rivers of tears.  Children growing up with more questions than answers. Who would play the role of daddy, the father figure, the man their children aspire to? Did they consider the heartbreak their parents and siblings would suffer or the devastating impact it would have on their friends and family? Did it matter?

Our minds try to process it all, dissecting messages, the last telephone call, the time spent with them. Were there clues that we had missed? Were there aspects that we had ignored? Why would they do this.

In this podcast with Clinical Psychologist, Dr Rani Samuel, I unpack the emotional condition of someone who is suicidal. We discuss the effect of suicide on families, the blame, the guilt and the healing process.   

LISTEN HERE

Every year 703 000 people globally commit suicide. Many more attempt it. According to the World Health Organisation, suicide is among the leading causes of death among those aged 15–29. Suicides are preventable and help is available. If you need assistance please contact your local clinic, hospital, doctor, religious leader, a helpline or a support group.

I trust that this podcast will help you in your process of healing.