Serious suicides are quietly planned and executed
-
SOME people harbour a latent death wish but still go about life in a upbeat business-as-usual manner. Then one day, something snaps.
Successful suicides, say four psychiatrists who work with suicidal people, are rarely committed on impulse but calculated and sometimes premeditated for years.
"It is never on impulse but can be something a person has thought about for years, an accumulation of many stresses," said Dr Chia Boon Hock, a psychiatrist in private practice and an author of a book on teenage suicide.
The individual's personality may also come into play.
"Somebody very daring, adventurous, aggressive and willing to take risks is likely not to care whether he lives or dies," he said.
This wish to die can be hidden from loved ones, close friends, and even escape detection in medical and psychology tests.
Dr Tan Chue Tin, medical director of the Mount Elizabeth-Charter behavioural health services and psychiatrist for 20 years, said: "Tests won't be able to find that out because if a person is so intent, he will want to reduce the risk of interruption which may lead to rescue.
The serious suicides "are quietly planned and executed".
He said: "Such victims are a little depressed, have lost the will to live and go through a period of behavioural change such as moodiness. The actual suicide is triggered by a particular incident or event."
Other detectable signs are a loss of appetite, lower interest in sex, and concentration on performing "final deeds" -- when a person goes to the lawyer to make out a will, makes multiple bank account transfers or organises care for a beloved pet or relative.
All the psychiatrists say there is no fixed rule about leaving a suicide note.
Consultant psychiatrist Ko Soo Meng of the National University Hospital said there may not be any note left behind, "unless there is a last word they want to leave behind to somebody they love or hate, or have strong emotions for".
Men are more likely to leave no message behind.
He said: "Women's first reflex is to share when they have a problem. But men, maybe because of pride, tend to keep it to themselves."
When men attempt suicide they choose lethal methods like jumping, drowning and crashing into cars so that the chances of rescue are minimal, he said.
People contemplating suicide should talk about their feelings of distress.
"Don't keep to yourself," he advised. "Halt for moment, take stock and go and talk to somebody -- a friend, professional or helpline." -
why are all your posts so long-winded?
can summarise?
thank you -
you don't have to read if you are not interested.Originally posted by bratpig:why are all your posts so long-winded?
can summarise?
thank you -
Suicide has stolen lives around the world and across the centuries. In Singapore, suicide is the main cause of death apart from diseases. National statistics show that on average, 1 person takes his/her own life in Singapore every day. Out of every 100,000 people in Singapore, 11 will kill themselves each year. The most common means of suicide are jumping from high-rise building followed by poisoning and over-dosing.
All national statistics for suicide in this website are extracted from "Report on Registration of Births and Deaths", compiled by the Registry of Births and Deaths, Singapore.
http://www.samaritans.org.sg/stats_1.asp?menu=4 -
i have to agree with you, cos i have such thoughts before too.Originally posted by phobic:SOME people harbour a latent death wish but still go about life in a upbeat business-as-usual manner. Then one day, something snaps.
Successful suicides, say four psychiatrists who work with suicidal people, are rarely committed on impulse but calculated and sometimes premeditated for years.
"It is never on impulse but can be something a person has thought about for years, an accumulation of many stresses," said Dr Chia Boon Hock, a psychiatrist in private practice and an author of a book on teenage suicide.
The individual's personality may also come into play.
"Somebody very daring, adventurous, aggressive and willing to take risks is likely not to care whether he lives or dies," he said.
This wish to die can be hidden from loved ones, close friends, and even escape detection in medical and psychology tests.
Dr Tan Chue Tin, medical director of the Mount Elizabeth-Charter behavioural health services and psychiatrist for 20 years, said: "Tests won't be able to find that out because if a person is so intent, he will want to reduce the risk of interruption which may lead to rescue.
The serious suicides "are quietly planned and executed".
He said: "Such victims are a little depressed, have lost the will to live and go through a period of behavioural change such as moodiness. The actual suicide is triggered by a particular incident or event."
Other detectable signs are a loss of appetite, lower interest in sex, and concentration on performing "final deeds" -- when a person goes to the lawyer to make out a will, makes multiple bank account transfers or organises care for a beloved pet or relative.
All the psychiatrists say there is no fixed rule about leaving a suicide note.
Consultant psychiatrist Ko Soo Meng of the National University Hospital said there may not be any note left behind, "unless there is a last word they want to leave behind to somebody they love or hate, or have strong emotions for".
Men are more likely to leave no message behind.
He said: "Women's first reflex is to share when they have a problem. But men, maybe because of pride, tend to keep it to themselves."
When men attempt suicide they choose lethal methods like jumping, drowning and crashing into cars so that the chances of rescue are minimal, he said.
People contemplating suicide should talk about their feelings of distress.
"Don't keep to yourself," he advised. "Halt for moment, take stock and go and talk to somebody -- a friend, professional or helpline."
-
Family and friends of people who have commited suicide should not blame themselves because sometimes there are no signs that a person want to die.