Suicide... that word that leaves no one indifferent...
This phenomenon consists of a behavior with multiple determinants, resulting from an interaction of psychological, biological, genetic, cultural, and socio-environmental factors.
Both suicide and suicide attempts are a source of great emotional suffering for the individual, representing a public health challenge worldwide and entailing negative consequences for the victims' families as well as for the community and society.
It is extremely important to point out that, according to statistics, almost 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide every year; suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people (15-34 years old) worldwide; most of the people who died by suicide had psychological health problems (depression, problematic alcohol use, etc.).
Several factors contribute to the risk of suicide, but they do not cause or predict suicide. However, they increase the likelihood of someone dying by suicide. For example:
- A previous suicide attempt or a suicide plan currently underway;
- History of psychological health problems (depression, problematic alcohol use, etc.);
- History of physical/sexual abuse;
- Family history of mental health problems/suicide;
- Traumatic events (e.g., death of a loved one, job loss, accident, divorce, etc.).
- Situations of vulnerability (poverty, unemployment, war, discrimination and social exclusion, bullying, etc.);
- Lack of social support/feelings of loneliness.
Despite the risk factors, there are a number of factors that can help reduce the likelihood of someone considering taking their own life, promoting resilience during vulnerable situations. Some examples include:
- Access to psychological healthcare;
- A strong social support network and connections with family, friends, and the rest of the community;
- Socio-emotional skills (problem-solving, conflict resolution, and adaptive management of difficulties).
It's not a new phenomenon that suicide is not seen as a public health problem, but rather as a sign of weakness and is viewed with prejudice, giving rise to myths such as: "successful people have no reason to commit suicide" or "they commit suicide or attempt suicide to get attention."
The truth is that this phenomenon, so complex and multifactorial, affects individuals of different backgrounds, age groups, socioeconomic conditions, and sexual orientations. A suicide attempt or suicide is not intended to attract attention, but rather are warning signs that people are experiencing great suffering, and these should be taken seriously and never ignored.
Given everything we've seen so far, it becomes crucial to be attentive to all the warning signs that people with suicidal thoughts or intentions give us, encouraging them to seek support, listen to their ideas, and above all, validate their pain and suffering so that they feel understood. This allows for greater suicide prevention as well as an improvement in people's health.
Suicide prevention and support hotlines:
- SOS friendly voice: 213 544 545 | 912 802 669 | 963 524 660
- Free Green Line 800 209 899
- Friendly Conversation 808 237 327 | 210 027 159
- Voices of Hope from Portugal: 222 030 707
- Friendship Phone Number: 228 323 535
- Voice of Support: 225 506 07
- Psychological Counseling Service of the SNS24 Helpline: 808 24 24 24
- INEM : 112 (in case of emergency)
In addition to these contacts, if you need help, Taipas Termal also offers a Mental Health and Therapy Unit if you are going through a difficult time in your life. Schedule an appointment with our team and remember that you are not alone and that your life matters (a lot).
Dr. Mariana Silva – Taipas Termal Mental Health and Therapy Unit
