The other day I met Jean at a meeting where I was a guest speaker. She has a pretty face and looks far younger than her 40-plus years. One is left with the impression that she has had a mild stroke or had some kind of accident, since she walks with a cane. But she has no difficulty with her speech or memory. She confided in me that she is glad to be alive but she suffers from depression and attempted suicide a couple of years ago. She tried to shoot herself in the head but failed.
Jean is one of many who struggle with life changes: The children have grown up and the nest is empty and her husband uninterested…
Bridges are also a common place for such attempts. A Today's Zaman reader shared with me in a long letter about her friend who tried to attempt to take her life by jumping off the Bosporus Bridge and someone stopped her. The bridge is closed to pedestrians but people take a taxi and request to get out while on the bridge.
Between 1985 and 1995, G. Çetin reports in Forensic Science International Journal, 65 people jumped from the Bosporus Bridge and only two individuals survived their suicide attempt.
Unlike in America, most individuals who commit suicide are unmarried and unemployed young adult males. In America, suicide is highest among females.
Even the seasons differ: In İstanbul it is highest during the fall and winter months, primarily in the early morning hours before sunrise. In America, statistics reveal there are more occurrences in the late spring and summer months.
For many Americans who have been disillusioned with life, the Golden Gate Bridge, which is regarded as one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the 20th century, has been a popular spot to commit suicide. Sadly, an estimated 2,000 people have ended their lives there.
I heard about Kevin Hines, who in 2000 was a 19-year-old college student suffering from bipolar disorder; he leapt from the Golden Gate. Today Hines controls his bipolar disorder with medication and a strict diet. He is frequently on the road lecturing for a suicide-prevention network. He shares how his main ambition is to see a suicide barrier erected on the Golden Gate. But so far, he just keeps getting the same reply from authorities: "You can't stop them."
A sharp rise in the number of women committing suicide in eastern Turkey has been observed.
It seems that some girls are suspected of being ordered to take their own lives to cleanse their family's honor.
What's driving these young women to suicide?
Key contributing factors seem to be that the girls come from less-educated and lower income class families where forced and early marriages, domestic violence and denial of reproductive rights are imposed.
Often because of a rebellious spirit from having to live a restricted lifestyle, or an act of disgrace to her family's honor, a girl is locked in a room with a rope or gun.
How can people struggling with suicidal thoughts be helped?
BBC's Sarah Rainesford in Turkey says, "The Turkish government has begun to raise awareness about domestic violence, and mosques have been instructed to preach against honor crimes." Sarah adds, "But changing the mentality that drives such killings is an enormous task."
Prevention is the key.
Many people who attempt suicide talk about it before making the attempt. Sometimes, simply talking to a sympathetic listener who can remain nonjudgmental may make a difference. In the West, suicide prevention centers have telephone "hotline" services.
Again, do not ignore a suicide threat or attempted suicide.
In Turkey, there is an urgent need to overcome social taboos and openly discuss and address this problem.
Both Jane and Kevin have said they are glad they are alive.
Even if someone who is suicidal tells you to leave them alone, don't!
Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman ‘s readers.Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
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