Stress >> Suicide

Is modern life really rubbish?

Are we just moaning too much?

Situation In India
Over 1.8 Lakh Indians take their lives every year Educated likelier to commit suicide! What is shocking is the fact that the educated seem more likely to contemplate suicide. Suicide risk is 43% higher in men who finished secondary education and among women the risk increased to 90%. Pesticide poisoning leading cause Almost 50% of suicide deaths are caused by pesticide poisoning, followed by hanging and burning. In fact due to decreasing maternal mortality, suicide is likely to become the leading cause of death among young women. Violence and depression are the key determinants of suicide in women. Though the media usually focusses on farmer suicides about 75% of suicides occur in occupational groups like the unemployed and homemakers.
Source http://health.india.com

Just for information

In India, attempt to commit suicide is punishable u/s 309 of the Indian Penal Code. Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code thus reads as: Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.

Understanding Suicide
Suicide is when people direct violence at themselves with the intent to end their lives, and they die as a result of their actions. A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the intent to end their lives, but they do not die as a result of their actions. Many more people survive suicide attempts than die, but they often have serious injuries. However, a suicide attempt does not always result in a physical injury

Who is at risk for suicide?

There is no single cause of suicide. Several factors can increase a persons risk for attempting or dying by suicide. However, having these risk factors does not always mean that suicide will occur. Risk factors for suicide include: Previous suicide attempt(s) History of depression or other mental illness Alcohol or drug abuse Family history of suicide or violence Physical illness Feeling alone

Understanding Stress
A. Stress occurs when demands exist which are outside a persons capacity for meeting those demands B. Stress is a response to the presence of psychosocial hazards in the workplace C. Stress is the reaction people have when they feel they cannot cope with the pressures or demands placed upon them Over-simplistic definitions !

Responses to Stress
Physiological changes Heart rate Blood pressure Biochemical > adrenaline

> cortisol

> serotonin

> free histamine

Psychological changes
Anxiety Apathy Depression Apprehension Tension Alienation Tired Resentment Worry

Confidence
Indecision

Aggression

Withdrawal

Restlessness

Sleeping problems

Concentration

What workers expect

Financial Advancement Status Respect Reasonable expectations?

Achievable ?
Affordable ?

Perks Education / Training Autonomy

Dissatisfied workforce? Aggrieved employees? Unmotivated staff ? Flexibility Pensions Support Security

Work never changes. . .

. . . Its Attitude that needs to be changed

Long Working Hours

Workaholism

uninterrupted heavy workload heavy physical work excessive demands from irregular overtime and shift work excessive workloads from emotional stress, such as responsibility, transfers, and conflicts

irregular sleep habits decreases in rest decrease social time alcohol abuse increased smoking unhealthy diet neglecting medical checks breakdown in family life

Some Stress is good

Keeps one alert Keeps one alive performance

Evolutionary perspective: Too little stress = extinction Too much stress = extinction Balance stress = evolution Pressure is good - - Stress is bad stress

Common Coping Styles

Adaptive coping Seek those with similar experiences Stick to a plan of action Day to day basis Seek information

Confront issue
Support seeking Change situation

LONG TERM SOLUTION

Maladaptive coping

Withdraw from people in general

Deny what has happened Drink, eat, smoke to relieve tension

Avoidance
Consumption Denial

SHORT TERM SOLUTION

The Self-Loathing and Self-Improvement Culture

The age of the medical / health professional life-coach-guru-reality-tv-show Were all defective and we need to change ourselves

I like money I like money too

Not as much as I do

SUGGESTIONS to Employers
It is suggested that the seniors can take following actions to identify such suicidal tendencies in subordinates and take measures to avoid them. 1. JOB STRESS is the major problem and should be enlisted amongst the main public health problems in India now. Seniors should create a workplace culture that lets workers feel comfortable seeking help from the company's Employee Assistance Program or other resources. 2. As a senior, one should cultivate an open-door policy and encourage employees to let you know if they're having difficulties.

3. Recognize, and be prepared to respond to, the warning signs of suicide. These symptoms may include : Talking about suicide or death, Making statements like "I wish I were dead." and "I'm going to end it all.", Uncharacteristically isolating themselves from others in the workplace, Expressing feelings that life is meaningless or hopeless.
4. Be ready to offer assistance or help subordinates find outside counseling, if one feels that the person is in immediate danger. 5. EFFECTIVE SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAMS should be made in every organization. 6. Work with local media to develop and disseminate public service announcements and advertisements describing a safe and effective message about suicide and its prevention

References
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Vol.2 Issue 7, July 2012, ISSN 2231 5780

ONE LIFE SAVED IS A FAMILY SAVED