MURIITHI: The tragedy of suicide and its prevention interventions

According to the WHO, more than 726,000 people die of suicide every year, and many more people attempt suicide.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. WHO further asserts that seventy-three per cent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Globally, suicide is a serious, snowballing public health concern. The reasons for suicide are multi-faceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, economic, and environmental factors present across the life-course.

Suicide in Kenya has exacerbated into a serious public health crisis. Each suicide is a catastrophe that affects families, societies, and nations.

Further, the tragedy has long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities left behind. Suffice it to note that for every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide.

A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

According to the World Bank, Kenya's suicide mortality rate stands at 6 people per 100,000 persons. The worrying suicide cases require an urgent public health response embracing Health in All Policies (HiAP) taking a multisectoral policy interventions. It is imperative to note that with timely low-cost interventions, suicides can be prevented.

Mental disorders, specifically depression and drug and alcohol abuse, are the main courses for the increased suicide cases. Many suicides can be attributed to the vulnerable being unable to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.

Additionally, conflict, trauma, violence, abuse or loss, and a sense of isolation are also linked with suicide cases.

Few organisations in the country are providing psychological support to those in distress and despair and who are at risk of attempting suicide.

The good news is that suicide is preventable. There are numerous effective interactive interventions for suicide prevention at individual and communal levels. The following are considered effective:

●       Open and honest conversations about mental health and suicide

●       Early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours including; those talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and family, and changes in behaviour

●       Seeking professional help by sensitizing people to recognize when they need support and helping them to find it

●       Respond effectively to individuals in crisis

●       Ensure access to effective mental health and suicide care and treatment

●       Limiting access to the means of suicide e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications

●       Awareness creation and encourage help-seeking behaviour

●       Promote social connectedness and support

●       Multisectoral interventions

The above strategies are evidence-based, are in agreement with the Live Life WHO suicide prevention interventions, and are also the foundation for the Ministry of Health, Kenya Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2021-2026.

It is of the essence to note that suicide in Kenya is a crisis and has reached fever peach with significant impacts on individuals, community health, loss of life, and on the economy.

It requires attention and a comprehensive approach, coordination and collaboration across multiple sectors of society and strategies at all levels of society.

Takeaways

●       Suicide is preventable

●       Suicide in Kenya is a crisis requiring urgent concerted efforts

●       Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities

●       Preventing suicide requires multisectoral strategies at all levels of society

The writer is the Director Commercial Services, KEMSA