Recent incidents of many suicide attempts have brought mental pressure—such as stress and depression—in the spotlight. Throughout 2023, various of suicides cases that shocked Indonesian society occurred, such as the death of a veterinary student in Surabaya and the case of woman who killed herself just before her wedding day in Padang. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 700,000 people between the ages of 15 and 29 years old are die every year due to suicide. These individuals die in various way, such as hanging themselves or ingesting pesticides.1 The high number of suicide cases indicates that the mental pressure in society really needs proper handling and prevention in order to reduce the rate of suicide cases.

Symptoms of Mental Pressure (Stress and Depression)

Below are some symptoms of mental pressure, such as:2,3

1. Often feel worried, anxious or excessively nervous.

2. Easily irritated and often feel frustrated.

3. Withdrawing from social environments and do not want to meet other people.

4. Sleep disorders.

5. Difficulty concentrating and easily distracted.

6. Not taking good care of themselves, such as rarely eating or bathing.

7. Decreased sexual desire.

Signs of Someone Wants to Commit Suicide

Some signs you need to know about someone want to commit suicide, including:4

1. Always discussing themselves is a burden for others.

2. Always talking about unbearable hurt feelings.

3. Expressing feelings of hopelessness.

4. Always talking or posting stories on social media about wanting to die.

5. Make a plan and looking for a way to commit suicide.

Reasons Why People Commit Suicide

Several reasons why someone decides to commit suicide:1,5

1. Conditions of stress and depression are not resolve. If this mental disorder is not treated immediately, this situation will make the sufferer feel tired and hopeless and continue with tought of ending their life in order to get rid of the depression feeling.

2. Impulsive behavior (based on their instinct). If this behavior involves negative thoughts, it will encourage a person to follow their heart and end their life then.

3. Severe (chronic) illness that does not go away. Several cases of suicide occur because the victim feels hopeless with all the efforts made to recover and chooses to commit suicide to end their suffering from the illness.

4. Problems from the social environment. Bullying, discrimination, violence, harassment, or high family demands are social problems that can make someone decide to commit suicide rather than choosing to survive by carrying the burden of life.

5. Financial problems. Debts accumulated and cannot be paid, financial situation that have not improve, or other financial problems can push someone to commit suicide rather than solving these financial problems.

Tips to Avoid Mental Pressure (Stress and Depression)

There are several ways you can take to get yourself out of mental pressure situation, including:6

1. Learn to accept problems in your life, no matter how difficult or unchangeable they are.

2. Always think positively and take good things from every problems in life.

3. Avoid doing negative things when experiencing stress and depression, such as using drugs or drinking alcohol.

4. Set aside time to do positive things you like, such as exercising and playing music.

5. When you have a problem, always ask for help or opinions from trusted people or those closest to you (friends or family).

6. Consult with a doctor if your mental condition getting worse, so you could get appropriate treatment.

References:

  • 1. World Health Organization. Suicide. Last reviewed on August 28, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
  • 2. Hillary Sekar Pawestri. Tanda Anda Mengalami Tekanan Batin dan Cara Mengatasinya. Last reviewed on September 17,2023. Available at: https://hellosehat.com/mental/mental-lainnya/tekanan-batin/
  • 3. Sienny Agustin. Memahami Tekanan Batin dan Cara Jitu Mengatasinya. Last reviewed on February 3, 2022. Available at: https://www.alodokter.com/memahami-tekanan-batin-dan-cara-jitu-mengatasinya
  • 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide. Last reviewed on November 2, 2022. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/factors/index.html
  • 5. Bayu Galih Permana. Yuk, Kenali Berbagai Penyebab Orang Ingin Bunuh Diri. Last reviewed on November 22, 2022. Available at: https://hellosehat.com/mental/cegah-bunuh-diri/penyebab-ingin-bunuh-diri/
  • 6. Kemenkes RI. Pengertian Kesehatan Mental. Last reviewed on June 8, 2018. Available at: https://ayosehat.kemkes.go.id/pengertian-kesehatan-mental