SOME people harbour a latent death wish but still go about life
in a upbeat business-as-usual manner. Then one day, something
snaps.
Successful suicides, say four psychiatrists who work with suicidal
people, are rarely committed on impulse but calculated and
sometimes premeditated for years.
"It is never on impulse but can be something a person has thought
about for years, an accumulation of many stresses," said Dr Chia
Boon Hock, a psychiatrist in private practice and an author of a
book on teenage suicide.
The individual's personality may also come into play.
"Somebody very daring, adventurous, aggressive and willing to take
risks is likely not to care whether he lives or dies," he
said.
This wish to die can be hidden from loved ones, close friends, and
even escape detection in medical and psychology tests.
Dr Tan Chue Tin, medical director of the Mount Elizabeth-Charter
behavioural health services and psychiatrist for 20 years, said:
"Tests won't be able to find that out because if a person is so
intent, he will want to reduce the risk of interruption which may
lead to rescue.
The serious suicides "are quietly planned and executed".
He said: "Such victims are a little depressed, have lost the will
to live and go through a period of behavioural change such as
moodiness. The actual suicide is triggered by a particular incident
or event."
Other detectable signs are a loss of appetite, lower interest in
sex, and concentration on performing "final deeds" -- when a person
goes to the lawyer to make out a will, makes multiple bank account
transfers or organises care for a beloved pet or relative.
All the psychiatrists say there is no fixed rule about leaving a
suicide note.
Consultant psychiatrist Ko Soo Meng of the National University
Hospital said there may not be any note left behind, "unless there
is a last word they want to leave behind to somebody they love or
hate, or have strong emotions for".
Men are more likely to leave no message behind.
He said: "Women's first reflex is to share when they have a
problem. But men, maybe because of pride, tend to keep it to
themselves."
When men attempt suicide they choose lethal methods like jumping,
drowning and crashing into cars so that the chances of rescue are
minimal, he said.
People contemplating suicide should talk about their feelings of
distress.
"Don't keep to yourself," he advised. "Halt for moment, take stock
and go and talk to somebody -- a friend, professional or
helpline."
