*Trigger Warning: Mentions of Suicide*
Ageing, or senescence, accidents, and fatal diseases ended by death as causes of the inevitable end of the individual’s life are understandable. But, there is a common worldwide cause of death, which is suicide. Suicide, as we know, is the intentional killing of one's self. It is cross-culturally not acceptable, under normal circumstances. So, why do people commit it? What is its legal and religious status in the East, especially in a country such as Bahrain? And, most importantly, what are its aftermaths to the victims' families and communities?
Common causes and motives of suicide:
Most suicide victims are found to be used to suffering from one or some of the following conditions:
1- Mental Health issues: such as psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders), Depressive Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, etc.
2- Severe or incurable diseases that cause unbearable pain and suffering such as cancer or very poor prognosis.
3- Bullying, discrimination including racism.
4- Different forms of abuse, including domestic, sexual or physical abuse.
5- Bereavement, including losing a loved one to suicide.
6- End of an important relationship.
7- Big changes in life, such as academic failure or losing a job.
8- Doubts about sexual or gender identity.
9- Cultural or social pressure, e.g. forced marriage.
10- Other forms of trauma.
What is behind suicide? Science of suicide:
Scientists and scholars found many factors that could be causes of suicide. The following are important and recent.
According to three recent studies show that suicide victims' brains markedly differ from those of others and that these changes develop throughout a lifetime.
Victims who were with depression, as the most common pathway to suicide, had changes in the GABA receptors (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid "GABA" is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain which is known to produce a calming effect. It has an important role in controlling nerve cell hyperactivity associated with anxiety, stress and fear. It is known to improve sleep as well. It is found that people who experience major depression often have lower levels of GABA).
On the other hand, people infected by "Toxoplasma gondii" are more likely to exhibit suicidal behaviour.
*But, though, there are several ways to treat and control the problem, despite its biological and neurological roots.
Suicide in Eastern Culture and Laws
(Bahraini and Arab Societies as model)
Suicide in Eastern Culture is unacceptable and totally rejected. The reasons for this wide rejection due to the Islamic religious background of the society.
In Islamic law, Shari'a, people who committed suicide attempts are punished, regardless of the motives, unless the individual who committed it is considered mentally incompetent.
Suicide attempt is considered illegal in some Eastern countries, so, rather than taking the individual who committed failure suicide attempt is punished with imprisonment or a fine instead of mental health services center.
Stigma
Some studies and surveys revealed intense and extreme stigma against the previously named population. The study indicates that the victims are viewed as irresponsible, pathetic, cowardly and even stupid.
The adversity doesn't stop at the victim but passes him/her to relatives and social surroundings. People hesitate to marry anyone who belongs to the victim’s family in some cases. They are afraid of shame.
Anyway, this is not always the rule, people, currently, are more open because of education and increasing awareness.
At present, mental health professionals and paraprofessionals in the region are making unremitting efforts to increase awareness of suicide risks and its warning signs and to overcome stigma more than ever.
Sources:
www.scientificamerican.com (Mind and Brain)
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