He begins telling the readers the theories for suicide are many precisely because those who kill themselves are all different. The common element is no longer hope in life; no one is there to help. Seemingly it is an extreme position and the act of one depressed.
In examining the psychological state of a suicide from 80 to 90 percent have some mental problem. However, in farming areas where they use virulent farming chemicals to kill themselves, this is not so easily discovered.
Stress is an element of many suicides. Genetics, biology, personality, relationships with others, religious convictions, physical health, all come into the mix and influence the person's actions. In a study made in Finland, those who committed suicide were in 80% of the cases under great stress.
Influence from society is many. Alienation is a reason. The more one is relating the lower the rate of suicide. Loss of someone very close to the person, the marriage situation has a big influence. Alone, separated, divorce, the death of a spouse all have serious repercussions and for men more than women. Children are a help in these cases. In Ireland, those who marry before their 24th year have a higher rate of suicide. Out of work for a long period of time is a cause. Migrants have more suicides than the nationals because of the stress.
Freud saw suicide as the extension of depression. Karl Menninger, the American psychiatrist, said humans have a desire to kill, be killed or die. At the beginning of thoughts of suicide, all three may be present. In the end, one of the feelings predominate. With age the first two weaken and the last remains. Another reason for some is the hope of another life and release from the present one they didn't find to their liking.
One of the famous Korean psychiatrists gives a number of reasons for killing oneself. For some a way of getting back at what they see as abandonment. You have the possibility of being on the other side of wanting to kill. And ends up killing oneself. You have those who want to join the dead of the family or friends after the difficulties they are experiencing in this life. Punishment for their failure to achieve what they desired. You have those who feel they are already dead; have no longer reason to live and want to get rid of their pain.
The pain of the attempted suicide and family is understandably great. The family thinks they are part of the blame. Which means they need support. Problems with the family: they don't know the 'why' of the attempted suicide. Losing a family member from suicide is a very serious issue for the family. Losing a family member by natural death is painful, by suicide how much more the pain. We should never underestimate the pain and do everything possible to help with feelings of depression, guilt and anger etc. that accompany the suicide. Support from the groups in society that are there to help is often necessary.
