THE VOICE introduces a brand new column ANNOU PALE aimed at stimulating dialogue on some of the most pressing problems facing our country at this time.
We plan that this conversation will continue for some time throwing up ideas and solutions to the problems that have been identified and selected for discussion. You, the reader, have the opportunity to join the debate which in fact, has already started.
Suicides have become the most pressing social problem facing St Lucia today. It simply is appalling the number of people who are opting to end their lives..
But most alarming is the fact that as a nation, we have done nothing to try to determine the cause of this new problem in our midst. Apart from a few professional people appearing on television with bits of advice, we seem to have accepted that suicide must now become a way of life, or rather, a way of death, in St Lucia.
There is no question, however, that something needs to be done to bring this matter under some kind of control. It is a serious indictment on a country when so many of its citizens are taking their own lives, for whatever reason.
We need to hear from the people with power, the government, about this development. Is the government aware of what is going on? It does not seem so judging by the fact that there has been no official reaction that we can recall, far less a promise to attempt to halt the trend.
What do you, the reader, think? Tell us. Why are so many of our people taking their lives and what can be done about it?
~~~~ Ella ~~~~
Many might say that the Government of St. Lucia can’t help in suicide but they can start campaigns to increase public awareness of suicide as a preventable problem, to develop broad based support for prevention efforts, and to reduce stigma.
Media education is needed to improve reporting and portrayals of suicide in the media.
Training for caregivers to improve recognition of at-risk behaviour and delivery of effective treatments, incorporation of licensing standards for professional caregivers and also development and promotion of effective clinical and professional practices
~~~~Fix it Jesus ~~~~~
There are times in life when we might feel totally depressed, flabbergasted with emotional pain. It can seem like there is no other way out of our problems, we’ve run out of possible solutions. Our hitches seem unfixable. The pain feels like it will never end. We believe we’ve run out of options, and suicide is the only answer left. Maybe the suicidal thoughts come to mind; you might have mixed feelings about them. They’re frightening and befuddling. For some people, suicide may be a way of getting back at others, or showing them how much pain you’re in. But after suicide, you won’t be there to see that they feel guilty, or finally understand your pain. Feelings will pass. Depression feels everlasting, but it’s temporary. Things will change. Depression comes and it goes. It is a impermanent crisis, an attempt to stop the inner pain. You will get through this tunnel and come out the other side. The feelings will pass!
Depressed
Some people like myself get depressed to the point where they believe things would be better off without them and that suicide would end either their own or everyone else’s problems.
~Love~
I never thought of doing it. I had problems when I was younger that I thought I cannot handle but never was a suicide a solution that I thought of, Plus they say you’ll go straight to hell if you commit it-that means you’ll be burned and though already a spirit, you’ll feel it. not being religious just being afraid!
~~~shishi~~~
There is a ton of reasons why people want to take their lives. But, for some people it is an escape because they are unable to cope, and feel that they need to end it all. However, if someone calls the paramedics in the middle of an attempt, the rest of it gets ugly. There’s crying, tubes all over the place, induced black vomit, and then you are shot off to a mental hospital.
~~~~Life Lover~~~~
I am only guessing but when things seem like too much to bear – such as losing loved ones, etc. their depression can be more than they can handle at that moment.
If they can be delayed for a few days then life may look a little brighter and such thoughts may fly away.
I really disagree with those who say that they are taking the coward’s way out and are talking from no experience of such pains.
We normally all fear death and will do just about anything to stay afloat.
Their pain must be very deep whether mental or physical.
I don’t believe that suicide bombers do it so they can get to heaven/virgins, etc. They must be suffering from tremendous pain/torture that we may not know about.
Just try to think of what could possibly make you, yourself take your own life –
The Japanese did it with suicide pilots, etc. It is not a religious option that we are being forced to believe.
Well, these are just a few reasons that I can come up with for being suicidal.
I think that love might help – but not always.
~Sheena Labadie~
I tend to disagree with those who lay blame on the government in a situation like this one. Whilst they do need to play a part in funding facilities for these people to go to for counselling etc, I think that the bigger problem lies with the individuals themselves. As a person who studies psychology but on the flip side, have been suicidal, there are many aspects of this topic that quite frankly, governments can’t touch. What can the government do about failed relationships and heartache, grief over the death of a loved one, depression due to illnesses like bi-polar disorder etc? It’s not all about money and the economy so we need to cut it out with that kind of thinking.
To those who judge the ones who have gone that route, I’ll tap into the famous; “Since when that’s your role?” No one knows their limit and believe me when I say this…EVERYONE has a limit…we simply never know what can push us over the edge no matter how strong one’s faith may be. At the end of the day, we are human beings…part of the animal kingdom and there are elements that could make all human logic fly right out the window and cause animal instincts to take over (and yes, animals kill themselves or simply give up on life when they get too stressed out).
Suicide is a difficult topic to put your fingers on but some of the biggest helps is having someone, anyone, sometimes even a perfect stranger to talk to, an outlet is needed. Many people think that the suicidal individuals are keeping their thoughts a secret but I can attest to the fact that this notion is wrong…sometimes you could be surrounded by people yet feel extremely lonely and that is why it is so tricky. these people need to feel comfortable enough to trust those they are around…they don’t want people to tell them what to do and how to do it, nor do they want anyone telling them “I told you so” etc…just a neutral, non-judgmental ear and shoulder could go faaaar and this is where it all starts. We as a nation need to be more understanding as well…we tend to be hard nuts who close our minds off to the “little things” and we’re quick to “lay it on the lord”. I’m a Christian woman but I know that there are times when we need to take action rather than sit and watch things happen all whilst waiting for the hand of God to swoop down and stop mishaps dead in their tracks. If you know that someone needs help, try to be more understanding and sympathetic instead of making them feel worse or sending them retreating deeper into their shells.
Sighhhh I could go on and on because like they say, who feels it knows but I’ll just say, before pointing fingers, maybe we should put those hands down and open our eyes, minds and hearts a bit more because the solution is closer to home than you may think.