Introduction:
Here’s a topic that I post about every once in a while — the 3 reasons why people die to suicide, according to the study of suicidology.
Specifically, this comes from the interpersonal theory of suicide from psychologist Thomas Joiner, detailed in his (very aptly named) book, Why People Die By Suicide.
This is, of course, a very sensitive topic for many.
Yet I choose to talk about it because the stigma against suicide is strong.
As a result, most people have very limited knowledge about suicide…just because they don’t want to talk about it.
But when it happens, that’s when it becomes a tragedy.
This theory not only helps us to explain why people die by suicide but having this understanding allows us to curtail the risk of it via the three factors — perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capability.
3 Reasons Why People Die To Suicide
Here are the 3 reasons Why People Die to Suicide:
1. Perceived Burdensomeness:
Suicidal people feel like burdens and genuinely believe that their death would make the lives of the people around them better.
2. Thwarted Belongingness:
Not being accepted by others hugely increases suicide risk. Even if they’re lonely, feeling like part of a group such as a club or community can reduce suicidality.
Reasons 1 and 2 may lead to a higher desire for suicide but do not necessarily lead to suicide itself.
Suicide also needs Reason number 3 for completion:
3. Acquired Capability:
Complex trauma, repeated attempts, or incidences of self-harm lead to the desensitization of pain and weakening of the fear of death, which leads to suicide.
Lower Suicide Risk:
Therefore, reducing these 3 factors can lead to lower suicide risk:
- Let the people around you constantly know that they are valued and loved
- Include people in events and ask them out, even the loners
- Be on the lookout for vulnerable people such as suicide survivors, PTSD sufferers, and so on.
Note:
This theory, the interpersonal theory of suicide, is from Thomas Joiner’s book,
“Why People Die By Suicide.”
Check it out for a more detailed explanation. Book
If you found this helpful or feel free to share your experience if you can relate to these points and if you are comfortable share
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