7 ways to stop suicide

AFTER a dozen years studying the subject, Father Francis X. Hezel, of Truk, offers seven pieces of advice on suicide prevention: ITry to preserve and streng then the extended family; it 9 is his conclusion that the de cline of the traditional family structure, and its replacement by the smaller nuc lear family, has led to the soaring suicide rates. 2 If the extended family can not be restored, create other 0 ways that older people can have meaningful, supportive relations with the young males who are most like ly to commit suicide. 3 Watch out for, and handle carefully, the “tests of love” % in which a troubled young person may seek to determine whether a

father or other family authority figure

really cares for the young person. Hezel writes: “A boy who thinks that his father has always preferred one of his brothers to himself might ask his father for some money to see if his father really does love him.” If the request cannot be granted, the father should explain why, and make sure that the young man knows that he is loved. 4De-romanticises suicide. Make it clear to young people that 9 suicide is not an honourable option for the solution of personal prob lems, and that it is a terrible waste.

Further, after one has occurred, the bu rial should be swift and without the ex tensive attention which normally accom panies a Micronesian funeral; Fr. Hezel urges that for social, not religious reasons, there should be no church in

volvement in such funerals. 5 Communities should encour age clubs, and social and % athletic activities to help young people build competence and self confidence; the resulting increase in self esteem “protects us from blows that we receive in the family.” 6 Since many who commit suicide do so right after con w suming large amounts of alcohol, better control of youth drinking would probably reduce the suicide rate. 7 From babyhood, children should be counselled against 0 impulsive acts; if someone threatens suicide it should be taken seriously, and immediate efforts should be made, if it is not too late, to prevent

its completion.

But above all the best way to avoid suicide, he says, is to create and preserve strong, healthy, loving families. □