AMYGDALA HIJACK

 

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Leo Buscaglia

According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people commit successful suicides each year. That is approximately the total population for some countries. One such country is Bhutan it is located in the Eastern Himalayas and has a population of 771,612 by end of the year 2020. (Just google it).  In 2019, suicide was considered the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Despite the majority of existing studies showcasing increased risk among higher-income countries, the World Health Organization still considers suicide as a global phenomenon. Data from their website show that  77% of global suicide deaths emerge from low and middle-income countries. More on suicides

For most of us, our work environment is quite stressful and, unfortunately, despite being health workers we often underplay its impact. When counselling is provided few if any personnel take it up. In addition, very few healthcare organizations actually budget for out of work activities to aid staff to de-stress. What is worse is that being away due to any form of illness especially ongoing mental health challenges is frowned upon, more especially when one is placed on sick leave. In some instances, these warranted sick leaves are later used as opportunities to victimize personnel.

Depression often seems like a foreign concept to most people and that when our loved ones get diagnosed it is so unfathomable.  I was recently reminded of this and thought I should share for it may help someone else too. Recently, a friend reached out, his phone call actually woke me up from deep slumber. He was crying frantically repeatedly stating that he wanted the world to go quiet. He kept reiterating how he had had enough of everything and wanted the pain to stop. "I can not do this anymore." It is too much". I was so taken aback and so confused for a minute I thought I was experiencing a nightmare. It could not be real, was it? Like how was this happening? Being that as humans we are selfish  my first actual brief thought was, "of all days I decide to pick a phone call it had to be this." ( You can judge all you want but it is true) I quickly got over it and tried to figure out what to do. I was more than 200kms  away. I wondered how could I help? After a quick prayer and the help of other great friends, we managed to neutralize the situation. However, the battle still continues and we are presently working on developing long term solutions to the events that led to that scary phone call and honestly it has not been easy.

So you may wonder who is at risk of committing suicide?

Well, suicide has been linked greatly to anyone experiencing challenges managing daily stressors for example:

1. People living with some mental disorders such as depression, substance use dependence etc.

2. People experiencing any form of abuse (sexual, verbal. physical, emotional).

3. Vulnerable populations such as the LGBTQI, refugees, immigrants etc.

4. People who experience impulsive episodes of crisis such as financial crisis, relationship conflicts and episodes of severe pain in chronic illness among others.

So what little things can you do to help as a health care provider or as a layman? 

It all begins with the basics. 

1. If anyone you know belongs to the populations at risk please keep checking on them despite your busy schedule. You may be the only one who does.

2. While spending time with them physically or via the different digital forums learn to improve your listening. Talk less and listen to them more. Learn their non-verbal cues.

3. Use social media as a tool For instance go to Youtube and learn about conducting a basic mental screening assessment and ways to establish the red flags.

4. If a friend, family member or colleague has a history of a previous suicide attempt or threat limit access to potential items that may be used to commit suicide.

5. For parents with children try to foster socioeconomic skills from a tender age.

6. Eliminate archaic rules to encourage self-reporting of suicidal thoughts. When identified please refer for professional help unless, of course, you can offer it.

7. Keep a list of resources around you of counselling service providers, treatment facilities etc.

As I conclude, in a world most people are marred with dark thoughts be the light that keeps someone going and if you are the one experiencing suicidal thoughts I leave you with  these words by Winston Churchill " Never, never, never, give up."

Resources

1. http://www.befrienderskenya.org/

2. https://www.enableme.ke/en/article/suicide-emergency-numbers-and-free-counselling-centers-in-kenya-3770

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