Suicide
Suicide
The intentional killing of one’s self
The act or an instance of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally
Depression
An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps,
the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not
the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be
wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get
better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment,
however, can help most people with depression.
Symptoms of depression include:
• sadness or “down” mood
• loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
• poor appetite or overeating
• trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much
• feeling tired or having little energy
• feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach or guilt
• trouble concentrating
• moving or speaking very slowly, or the opposite, being fidgety or restless
• thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting oneself in some way.
Facts about suicide
Men on average are three times more likely to commit suicide than women
The suicide rate among alcoholics and drug addicts is 80 times greater than that of non-abusers
The suicide rate among young people is growing every year
Certain personality disorders, such as borderline and antisocial personality disorders, appear to
carry high risk for suicide. Impulsivity also appears to be a risk factor for suicide.
Between 20 and 50 percent of people who kill themselves had previously attempted suicide.
Suicidal individuals often talk about suicide directly or indirectly using statements like, “My
family would be better off without me.” Sometimes they talk as if they are saying goodbye or
going away, and may arrange to put their affairs in order.
Other signs of contemplating suicide include giving away articles they value, paying off debts or
changing a will
The Causes of suicide
There are many reasons why people commit suicide. These include:
Bereavement (death of a loved one)
Insecurities stemming from childhood
Loneliness
Losing faith in the future
Loss of self-confidence
Deep depression caused by mental illness
Old age
Diseases
Money worries
Alcohol and drug abuse
Pressures at work school or home
Self-sacrifice (suicide bombers)
The way societies view suicide varies widely according to culture and religion. For example,
many Western cultures, as well as mainstream Judaism and Christianity tend to view killing
oneself as quite negative. This is because these religions believe that life is a sacred gift from
God so ultimately only God should take away life. Christianity teaches that people have no right
to kill themselves any more than they have the right to kill others. Some societies also treat a
suicide attempt as if it were a crime. In The Bahamas suicide is considered an offence and is
punishable by law.
Christian view
In the past the church insisted that if you killed yourself you would not have eternal life. However,
the church has become more compassionate and understands that sometimes pressure and mental
instability lead persons to commit suicide. At the end of the day most churches teach that God is the
only one who can decide what a person’s eternal destination will be.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church “Suicide contradicts the natural inclination
of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of
self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with
family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is
contrary to love for the living God." However, it goes on to state that “grave psychological
disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the
responsibility of the one committing suicide. We should not despair of the eternal salvation of
persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the
opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own
lives."
Biblical teachings opposing suicide
Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder.”
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of
God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of
God is holy, which temple you are.”
