Suicide is the act of one taking his or her own life to escape from pain or suffering. There are many causes of suicide such as depression. With the current situation, for example, some people have lost their jobs and this might lead them to a depressive state. Life is a gift from God, and people need to take care of their lives. Researchers in South Africa conduct studies on suicidal crisis among students to determine what exactly leads them towards that direction.
There are ways in which people might help a depressed person or a person having suicidal thoughts. One of the preventive measures one can use is administering antidepressants or forming suicide prevention programs.
Global Statistics on Suicidal Crisis
According to reports, more than 700,000 people kill themselves each year.
Suicide is the 2nd most primary cause of fatality in people aged between 15-29. The students in higher learning institutions are more at risk of behaviors related to suicide.
Experts Investigate Psychological Distress in Students
Some researchers are to look into the high degree of psychological stress among young people, especially the students. They also need to talk about the need for an organized response to encourage mental health. The experts from Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town joined the research.
The Study of 1st Year Students at SA Universities
The researchers investigated a particular group that had high degrees of stress, and behaviors related to suicide. International research shows that over 30% of students complained about a mental problem in the past 1 year.
The South African report shows that over 20% of 1st-year students had an anxiety issue. More than 13% experienced depression. About a third complained about symptoms of mental stress.
Statistical Study on Mental Health and Suicidal Thoughts
In this study, over 30% of the students had thoughts related to suicide. More than 16% of the students had a suicide plot and less than 3% had tried taking their lives. These rates are bigger than those in the state’s population. There is no exact information concerning students who take their lives. Most of the students in the research were between 18-21 years old. The students who had issues with suicidal thoughts and behaviors reported that those issues began when they were 15.
Less than 15% said their state of suicidality started after they were 18. Over 55% of the students who had thoughts related to suicide created a plot. Less than 20% of the students who had a plot tried committing suicide.
Risk Factors for Suicide
There are several risk factors for suicide. Some factors are such as untreated mental issues, social seclusion, conflicts, financial distress, and the use of dangerous drugs.
Promoting the Mental Health of Students in the Country
It is vital to encourage student mental health as part of the suicide prevention agenda given the bad access to services in the state. The country requires more research to make sure the suicide programs concentrate to reach vulnerable students. This is vital as mental health resources in the state are a few and universities experience resource limitations.
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