IN recent times Guyana has seen a startling rise in the number of suicide cases that now has many families, friends, and even our nation as a whole with a lot of questions as to why. 

When the question “why” is asked the expected answer is usually “hopelessness.” And while I may agree with this theory to some extent, please permit me to suggest a few other factors that should be considered as the underlying causes of suicide.
The death of a loved one.
A divorce, separation, or break-up of a relationship.
Losing custody of children, or feeling that a child-custody decision is not fair.
A serious loss, such as a loss of a job, house, or money.
A serious illness.
A terminal illness.
A serious accident.
Chronic physical pain.
Intense emotional pain.
Loss of hope.
Being victimised (domestic violence, rape, assault, etc).
A loved one being victimised (child murder, child molestation, kidnapping, murder, rape, assault, etc.).
Physical abuse.
Verbal abuse.
Sexual abuse.
Unresolved abuse (of any kind) from the past.
Feeling “trapped” in a situation perceived as negative.
Feeling that things will never “get better.”
Feeling helpless.
Serious legal problems, such as criminal prosecution or incarceration.
Feeling “taken advantage of.”
Inability to deal with a perceived “humiliating” situation.
Inability to deal with a perceived “failure.”
Alcohol abuse.
Drug abuse.
A feeling of not being accepted by family, friends, or society.
A horrible disappointment.
Feeling like one has not lived up to his or her high expectations or those of another.
Bullying. (Adults, as well as children, can be bullied.)
Low self-esteem.
It is very rare that someone dies by suicide because of one cause. Thus, there are usually several causes, and not just one, for suicide.
Many people die by suicide because DEPRESSION is triggered by several negative life experiences, and the person does not receive help for the depression. (Some people need to go through several treatments until they find one that works for them.)
Know what the symptoms of depression are and remember that any untreated mental illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others, may cause suicide.
If you or someone you know has experienced some of the causes that I have listed I would encourage you to get help today.

DR. MARK CONSTANTINE, PH.d
Mental Health Therapist