Suicide encompasses a variety of thoughts, behaviors, and actions. One of the best definitions I have seen was from a Suicide prevention training facilitated by a trainer from the International Critical Incident Foundation. Dr. Ed Shneidman, a co founder of the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center, defined suicide as “a conscious act of self-induced annihilation, best understood as a multidemensional malaise in a needful individual who defines an issue for which the suicide is perceived as the best solution.”
I found this alarming article on the relationship between suicide and the unemployment rate:
Study shows relationship between suicide rate and unemployment
By DUSTIN HOCKENSMITH, The Patriot-News
February 05, 2009, 11:14PM
Suicide rates increased during the Great Depression, reaching a peak in 1933, but since then there has been no clear association between suicides and economic downturns.
But the American Association of Suicidology also reports that there is a relationship between suicide and unemployment.
Unemployed people are two to four times as likely to kill themselves; and losing a home also is associated with an increased chance of suicide, according to the Washington, D.C.,-based organization, which is dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide through scientific research and education.
Those sorts of trends concern Jeffrey Yocum, the Lebanon County Coroner, after he saw a substantial increase in suicides between 2007 and 2008 — from 11 to 19.
He fears the trend might continue in 2009, he said, especially as the economy continues to falter and unemployment climbs.
My experience includes being part of a Psychiatric Team and during that time I have made some real observations regarding suicide. Most suicides are an impulsive reaction acting out of a feeling of desperation, anger, revenge, or wanting to be with a loved one who recently passed. Suicidal ideations and threats of suicide need to be taken very seriously; however, the suicides I have seen are from people who suddenly have a look of calmness about them. Once the decision is made there is a sense of relief and the person is suddenly void of signs and symptoms of depression. The person who threatens suicide is actually reaching out for help! I have witnessed suicides where people have strangled themselves with their underwear. The bottom line is the need for an early intervention, especially when there are obvious signs of depression, lack of purpose and the inability to provide for one’s family. The aforementioned signs are only some of the symptoms. In the following sections, I will go into greater detail of specific Suicidal Red Flags.
Ref Pennsylvania Local News 2/09/09, Suicide: Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention 2nd edition; Daniel W. Clark Ph.D., Denise J. Thompson, M.S.W., and Victor Welzant Psy.D.