Satnam S. Atwal MD

Durkheim, a social scientist explained three types of suicides, based upon the social interactions of individuals.

Under altruistic suicide, Durkeim felt that certain groups like elite military groups, cults and deeply committed religious fanatics, exhibit high rates of suicide. The group members comply to kill themselves because they think it is in their own word, a reasonable request. “Satti”, a killing by self-immolation by a Hindu wife after the death of her husband could be considered altruistic suicide.

‘The second type is called egoistic suicide. Such suicides occur among those individuals who are isolated, unattached to social groups and remain occupied primarily with their own needs. The suicidal impulse is ‘universal or nearly so when the individual experiences stress, what prevents suicide is the adherence of individual to social norms identifying suicide as wrong.

Egoistic individuals tack such social norms, such suicides occur more frequently among those religious groups like Protestants whose adherence to social norms is not as strong as compared to other groups for example, Catholics and Jews.

The third type is called anemic suicide which is related to sudden and unexpected social change. The term Anomic is used to indicate an abrupt loss of role and described anxiety, even panic of people forced to adjust to a dramatically different social environment, Loss of family members, friends and other loved ones cause grieving ‘and depression among those who have to fact new situations or different cultures. As such, anemic suicides are likely to be much higher among immigrants who after leaving their relatives and friends behind, feel frustrated while facing alien American culture,

Preventive strategies

Results of some studies indicate that from 2% to 10% of those who attempt suicide, eventually will successfully commit suicide and 10% to 40% of those who commit suicide had previously attempted it. Thus prevention is likely to be effective if we identify such individuals at a early stage and provide necessary intervention, We need to take lead in informing our fellows that:

* Suicide is tragic:

* Suicide is a loss of potential

* Suicide is preventable:

* Suicide is not courageous, but escapist:

It has been noted that the high immunity from suicide is conferred by large and intact families. Involvement of immigrant individuals in various religious and political organizations and other community groups appear to have a protective effect against suicide, Suicide rates varies inversely with the degree of integration of social groups of which individuals form a part. Thus it is most desired that immigration population involve themselves more frequently in their community functions and various other group activities

There is a need to provide group based services for recently migrated individuals with the help of their own ethnic and religious groups and life styles. Such groups may serve as their surrogate families, a period of identification with those who have already succeeded may be very important in learning to take steps to adapt to western customs and to develop a life style which, while maintaining one’s own culture, can accommodate the realities of ‘American life. Various groups for children, adolescent and parents at Gurdwaras seem to be a natural and supportive means to aid in their adjustment process. Newly admitted families should be helped to learn to cope with their role adjustments and the fears of parents having their children becoming, “Americanized.”

Process of immigration in its initial stages results in low self-esteem and pervasive feelings of worthlessness. The individual under such circumstances may feel incompetent to face the newly adopted world, such feelings should be openly discussed and necessary help should be arranged to reignite the shattered confidence and self-worth.

Asians tend to ignore their mental health because they think it being quite astigmatic. Education is needed to increase awareness of psychological and emotional factors, especially depression and various anxiety states predisposing to suicide. Drug abuse and alcohol abuse should be discouraged and individuals should be encouraged to seek professional mental and health services if their psychological pain is overwhelming. Early detection of such emotional difficulties and proper treatment could improve the healthy indicators of a society.

‘Another approach is to reduce the access to and lethality of methods of suicide, the results of studies that have examined the effectiveness of this approach to prevention of suicide are conflicting. In England during the 60’s elimination of the domestic use of coal gas that contained carbon monoxide ‘was associated with decrease in overall suicide rates. On the other hand surveillance data from Surinam suggest that discontinuation of the sale of undiluted vinegar previously a common agent used for suicide did not affect the incidence of suicide because vinegar was replaced by the use of highly toxic agricultural chemicals. As more people in America kill them by highly lethal methods like using firearms, it is strongly recommended that such weapons should not be kept at home, also social acceptance of alcohol used both at home or in parties should be discouraged.

‘At the higher suicide rates are reflective of the ill health of a narcissistically self-orientated society. Concerted efforts should be made by each community member to improve integration, cohesion and strengthen cultural roots which are social proscriptions against suicide. Suicide has roots in the culture in which it occurs. It is an ‘action that takes place in a state of sadness of mind and desperation, frequently encountered by recently migrated individuals to United States. No doubt, America is the land of dream, but becoming reacculturated into its society does not always come without its price.

Article extracted from this publication >> February 16, 1990