Most people were both shocked and perplexed by the suicide of Robin Williams. Many questioned why such a successful man would be driven to take his own life. It is impossible to fully answer that question although many have certainly tried to provide us with insight and possible reasons since his death on 11 August 2014.
Unfortunately suicide does, on some level ‘work’, in that it does provide a solution to personal pain. We do not have to agree with the solution but – it is a solution in that as life ends so does the pain. It is sad but true that for some people the pain of life becomes too great and suicide becomes the only option.
Contact Meg Willows should you be considering suicide as an option for your pain
There are people who will attempt suicide almost on impulse. Such people have little tolerance for stress and for emotional pain. A feeling of mild rejection or disappointment may be overwhelming – often to the surprise of their friends and relatives. Such people generally have poor problem solving skills and in their despair suicide becomes a viable proposition. The act of suicide may, in such cases, be a reaction to an overwhelming situation. However, there are those who are less impulsive and who seem to have a more planned or calculated approach. Such people often commit suicide in response to intense and chronic environmental or interpersonal stresses or as a result of the impact of serious psychiatric problems such as major depression, bipolar disorder and so on.
Various risk factors have been associated with the likelihood of suicide. There are even times of the year where suicide is
more prevalent. However, it is impossible to fully predict whether or not the depressed person or the person threatening suicide will carry through with the act or not. It is therefore important to take each threat seriously. Factors which increase the likelihood of suicide include life having little or no meaning, no hope for the future, loss of or no family or social support structures, hostile family or social environment, physical or psychiatric problems and previous suicide attempts. Furthermore, if the person believes that they are helping others by dying then the likelihood of suicide increases.
We should never hold ourselves responsible for the choices of others and we can never ‘keep’ someone from committing suicide. If a person is determined to die they will find a way despite our best efforts. But if we have some knowledge and if we take the signs seriously we can be of help when we encounter people who are contemplating suicide. If there is concern consult a medical expert – this is definitely a case of rather erring to the side of caution and overacting than of not acting at all and being sorry.
Meg Willows offers counseling in the Quellerina / Northcliff area