By mercy Agumenaitwe,
REGIONAL
Cases of suicide and attempted suicide are mushrooming in Uganda, worse still among the youth and teenagers. This creates numerous unaswered questions to society on the possible causes of suicide among the youth whose future is still hoped to become better off when they are living.
Latest form Kazo District in western Uganda shows that a 22-year-old youth has died after he committed suicide by hanging.
According to reports, Duncan Agiramukama allegedly committed suicide under unclear reasons. His body was found inside the house in Kazo II cell, Central ward Kazo Town Council, Kazo district
Police visisted the scene and taken the deceased body to Kazo health centre IV for a postmortum.
Agiramukama becomes a fourth person between the age of 10 and 25 to commit suicide in a period of less than a month in Uganda.
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on suicide indicates that suicide is intentional self-harm.amd may cause to death.
The study further reveals that suicide is a second leading cause of death among children between the ages of 15 and 19, and the leading cause of death for 14- to 15-year-olds.
According to CDC, suicidal thoughts and behaviors are the greatest predictors of suicide. These include frequent thoughts about ending one’s life, making plans, rehearsing or preparing for a suicide attempt, and attempting suicide.
CDC however recommends the use of physiotherapy and evaluation by a professional in case of suicide risks.
“If you think your child might be at risk for suicide, it is important to have them evaluated by a professional. Call your primary care physician, your child’s therapist or psychiatrist, your local mobile crisis team, or visit the closest emergency department.” CDC recommendations
The researchers also advise for frequent conversations between parents and their children to identify their challenges and address them in order to prevent them from having suicide thoughts.
“You can start by talking with your child. Ask how they are doing and if they ever think of killing themselves. Be sure to use clear, straightforward language. Having regular conversations in which you show concern and give your child room to express their honest thoughts and feelings lets your child know that they can talk with you when they need to,” read research in excerpts
“Frequent open communication that gives your child room to explore their thoughts and feelings with you is one of the best ways to prevent suicide.” CDC explains.
Suicide Cases
According to the latest by the World Health Organization (WHO) data published in 2020 Suicide Deaths in Uganda reached 2,033 or 0.98% of total deaths. The age adjusted Death Rate is 10.45 per 100,000 of population ranks Uganda 65 in the world.
In a different study; ‘Global Burden of Disease’ study, WHO data estimate that almost 800,000 people die from suicide every year. That’s one person every 40 seconds.
