SUICIDE AND SOCIETY- SOCIOLOGY- Suicide can certainly be considered a self-injurious behavior. It is “the act of taking one’s own life” and is sometimes, the only way for people to escape from pain or suffering. Mental health problems are a big part of suicidal act. Suicidal thought is also the malady of extreme loneliness.
Suicides occur throughout the world, affecting individuals of all nations, cultures, religions, genders and classes. Around 800,000 people die due to suicide every year.
Society and culture certainly play an enormous role in dictating how people respond to and view mental health and suicide. Culture influences, the way in which we define and experience mental health and mental illness, our ability to access care and the nature of the care we seek all of them contribute greatly.
SUICIDE AND SOCIETY- SOCIOLOGY , In Sociology our concern is with social values. Social value might be the value we experience from increasing our confidence, or from living next to a community park. These are assumptions to what is right and important for society. Society plays a huge role in molding teens behavior, character and attitude. For e.g. : You as parents can influence all these things as well, however, the things that will stick with the kids for long haul are learned from the society
APPROCHES TO SOCIOLOGY
There are two main approaches to Sociology:
STRUCTURALIST APPROACH
The Structuralist approach focuses on large/macro scale social structures and institutions rather than individuals. It believes in the fact that our society shapes and controls us.
The actions of people in fulfilling the roles that they have been assigned matter and not the individuals themselves. Above all, the individuals act us puppets and the social forces pull the strings which controls the individual’s behavior. It works to uncover the structures that underlie all the things that humans do, think, perceive, and feel.
STRUCTURALISM
For Example: The act of committing suicide was linked up with the role a society plays in altering one’s behavior and the way it affects his mindset by certain sociologists as the suicidal rate varies between different societies. This can rightly be placed under correlation and causation.
INTERPRETIVIST APPROACH
Interpretivist sociologists, on the other hand, believe that the individuals are in control, pulling the strings of the society. In other words, they make up the society they live in and can change it through their actions.
INTERPRETIVISM
For Example:
A person is exposed to certain norms and values as he is growing up in a society. It is, therefore, entirely up to him to accept them or completely reject them. Thus, in this way the values change over time as the values of people change.
The concept of identity plays a key role in Interpretivism like, how people see themselves & what makes up their identity? For instance, Someone might prefer to be identified through his religion or someone might prefer to be identified through his nationality.
Different forms of socially available identity labels are:
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Age
- Social class
- Nationality
- Occupation
- Roles within a family such as a parent
- Membership of a religious or political organization
SUICIDE PREVENTION-HOW?
Fortunately, suicides are preventable. Inorder, to prevent suicidal thoughts and attempts, there are certain measures which can be taken at community as well as individual levels.. These include identify and support people at risk and create protective environment etc.
Furthermore, Depression , anxiety, hopelessness and loneliness are biggest cause of suicidal act. For a suicide free society, each and every individual must not neglect mental health issues. If you or someone you know is exhibiting either, you should seek immediate assistance from a healthcare provider.
By 3 ways you can over suicidal thoughts:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Lifestyle change
Talking makes things better, gives hope and brings positivity in anyone, however, during the conversation with that person, make sure you:
- Stay calm and speak in a reassuring tone
- acknowledge that their feelings are legitimate
- offer support and encouragement
- Tell them that help is available and that they can feel better with treatment.
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) seems to improve suicidal thoughts and gestures in adolescents and young adults.
In short, being a part of society it is your duty to help and save a life, and it’s a risk worth taking.
SUICIDE AND SOCIETY- SOCIOLOGY
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