Why Switzerlan why?

Straight Arrow
By Straight Arrow

Switzerland’s troubling record of suicide
Here’s one record the Swiss may not be so enthusiastic about holding: more suicides are committed here using guns per capita than anywhere else in Europe.
The issues of gun suicide and Switzerland’s high rate of weapon ownership came under the spotlight again in January. The police chief overseeing security at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos turned his service revolver against himself a day before the event began.

His case is hardly unique. From 1996 to 2005, 3,410 suicides, or between 24 and 28 per cent of all those in Switzerland, were committed using firearms.

That percentage trails the United States, it is true, where 57 per cent of suicides involve a gun. But few European countries come anywhere near Switzerland.

And of other English-speaking countries, the highest rate is in Canada, where 19 per cent of suicides were by firearm in 2000. In England and Wales the figure stands at 2.8 per cent, and in Scotland at 1.8 per cent.

Guns are highly efficient: experts say that 90 per cent of suicide attempts involving firearms are successful.

source:
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/specials/switzerland_for_the_record/european...

From another website
According to WHO statistics, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds. Suicide rates all over the world have increased by 5- 62% in the last two decades. Hardly any country is immune to this disease. Whats disturbing is that more young people are killing themselves than ever before.

Group 2 (a medium high suicide rate): Countries like Belgium (21), Finland (20) Switzerland (18), Austria (18] France (17.6), S. Korea (17.9) and Japan (23.8] too have a fairly high rate of suicide. It gets more complicated here. About 2-3 men here kill themselves as compared to 1 woman. As these are well-to-do countries, economics alone cannot play a part. It makes sense to think that is the personal and social aspect that causes people to kill themselves. Feelings of loneliness and depression for example. A family or personal crises. High levels of competition in society and expectations from oneself and society which are not met.

Group 3 (a medium suicide rate): Countries such as Denmark (13.6), Germany (13.5), China (13.9), Sweden (13.4), Australia (12.7), Canada (11.9), India (10.7), the US (11) and Singapore ( 9.5) fall somewhere in the middle where the suicide rate is concerned.

In Denmark, Germany and Sweden – about 2-3 men kill themselves as compared to one woman and this is similar to Group 2. But in countries like Australia, Canada and the US - about 3-4 men kill themselves as compared to 1 woman. Can’t seem to fathom the reason for the difference, but I feel it that more men committing suicide seems to point to financial reasons and a high level of economic competition in society. So though people in these countries are well off, there could be high pressures to perform.
There more information on other countries, full information can be found in the source.

source
http://nitawriter.wordpress.com/2007/05/11/suicide-rates-of-the-world/

The question is what are the reasons that make these people kill themselves? And how can we stop this?

By Olive• 11 Mar 2010 15:14
Olive

What your link doesn't say Straight Arrow is the most telling sign of suicide is when a person goes from the things you're describing, depressed, withdrawn, reckless, etc to being perfectly happy again, perhaps even very happy. When that happens it usually means they have come to terms with the decision to kill themselves and are now "enjoying" their last few days alive.

literal people are scary, man, literal people scare me

out there trying to rid the world of its poetry while getting it wrong fundamentally down at the church of "look,it sez right here, see!" Ani Difranco

By one_shot• 11 Mar 2010 15:10
one_shot

very true and sad straight arrow :(

---------------------------------

MU2M :(

I like French cofee,but it is simply Turkish with milk

By Straight Arrow• 11 Mar 2010 13:14
Straight Arrow

Causes of teen suicide

There are several different factors that made lead a teenager to take his or her life, but the most common is depression. Feelings of hopelessness and anxiety, along with feelings of being trapped in a life that one can't handle, are very real contributors to teen suicide. In some cases, teenagers believe that suicide is the only way to solve their problems. The pressures of life seem too much to cope with, and some teenager look at suicide as a welcome escape.

Other factors that may contribute to teen suicide include:

Divorce of parents.

Violence in the home.

Inability to find success at school.

Feelings of worthlessness.

Rejection by friends or peers.

Substance abuse.

Death of someone close to the teenager.

The suicide of a friend or someone he or she "knows" online.

Signs that your teenager may attempt suicide

It is important to be on the look out for signs that your teen may attempt suicide. What is so difficult about some of these warning signs of teen suicide is that some of them are similar to normal adolescent behavior. The teenage years are a trying time, and sometimes normal behavior looks a lot like possibly destructive behavior. But it doesn't hurt to look into the following warning signs of teen suicide:

Talks about death and/or suicide (maybe even with a joking manner).

Plans ways to kill him or herself.

Expresses worries that nobody cares about him or her.

Has attempted suicide in the past.

Dramatic changes in personality and behavior.

Withdraws from interacting with friends and family.

Shows signs of depression.

Shows signs of a substance abuse problem.

Begins to act recklessly and engage in risk-taking behaviors.

Begins to give away sentimental possessions.

Spends time online interacting with people who glamorize suicide and maybe even form suicide pacts.

More information is in the source:

http://www.teensuicidestatistics.com/

By Glider• 11 Mar 2010 12:20
Glider

Switzerland is not a member of the EU

By Glider• 11 Mar 2010 12:18
Glider

Switzerland is not a member of the EU

By Straight Arrow• 11 Mar 2010 09:07
Rating: 5/5
Straight Arrow

from University of Oxford Centre for Suicide Research, UK, England

Suicide and attempted suicide (now usually termed ‘deliberate self harm’ or ’self harm’ in the UK) are major problems in most countries in the world. There are more than 800,000 suicides per year worldwide. The number of episodes of deliberate self-harm is far greater. In the UK there are approximately 5000 suicides per year, and considerably more deaths from suicide than from road traffic accidents. The number of people presenting to hospitals following deliberate self harm episodes exceeds the number of suicides in most countries by at least 20 to one. In the UK there are an estimated 170,000 cases annually. This figure has increased substantially in recent years. Both suicide and deliberate self harm involve large numbers of young people, many in their teens. Prevention of suicidal behaviour is a major health care target for the UK Government, which in 2002 established a National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England. A separate prevention strategy has been established in Scotland. Suicide prevention is a high priority in an increasing number of other countries. The programme of work being conducted at the Centre for Suicide Research is aimed at increasing knowledge directly relevant to prevention of suicide and deliberate self harm.

Source:

http://lancashirecare.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/self-harm-suicide-statistics/

We must identify the actual reasons for suicide and how we can stop these reasons.

By Olive• 11 Mar 2010 08:16
Rating: 2/5
Olive

Breakdown of the family is not the only explanation. Family ties are very big and important in Japan and South Korea, yet they have some of the largest rates of suicide. I think a lot of it may do with how large populations are today, people just get lost. I'd like to look at statistics from rural areas to statistics in big cities.

literal people are scary, man, literal people scare me

out there trying to rid the world of its poetry while getting it wrong fundamentally down at the church of "look,it sez right here, see!" Ani Difranco

By fanonite• 10 Mar 2010 17:58
fanonite

authentic selves. no strong person can snap to that extent in one night.. i am sure his laughter and strength was a facade to hide something bigger...

"The more I see of the world the more am I dissatisfied with it." Jane Austen.

By Mehnis• 10 Mar 2010 17:51
Mehnis

He was very strong emotionally but then I guess something snapped that night. That is why we can never foresee a suicide in all people. Easy to talk but very very difficult to judge

By Mehnis• 10 Mar 2010 17:49
Mehnis

A close friend of mind committed suicide many many years ago. He was handsome to the sense he had girls falling all over him. He was confident educated and smart. Money was something that was like a game for him. Laughing all the way. One night he hung himself. I still can't figure it out. 14 years later now I still think of what he could of acheived

By one_shot• 10 Mar 2010 17:46
one_shot

i have to look to myself and the people i love around me

if there is a man or a woman wanted to commit suicide,then it my pleasure , actually i agree,he is stupid and mentally ill,and he can't handle his problems then F him , i don't care. i have mine to deal with.

now my real opinion

my opinion is human is planning to commit suicide is really mentally sick and we should take care of this group, and treat them as sick people.

---------------------------------

MU2M :(

I like French cofee,but it is simply Turkish with milk

By fanonite• 10 Mar 2010 17:44
fanonite

they make one bad decision after another and in the end feel so trapped that suicide seems the only way out, the only freedom for them..others commit suicide for different reasons.. i knew a person who committed suicide after making a mess of her life..her story was more like Madame Bovary's..

"The more I see of the world the more am I dissatisfied with it." Jane Austen.

By Mehnis• 10 Mar 2010 17:42
Mehnis

You remember Victory we were having a discussion on female liberation and rights. One of the downsides is that if it is not managed well then suicides are the result because of breakdown of family values and consideration

By anonymous• 10 Mar 2010 17:40
anonymous

_______________________________________________

A lot of lovemaking can unblock a stuffy nose! Dr. Choc

By Mehnis• 10 Mar 2010 17:40
Mehnis

Even your own life does not belong to you!!! Socialistic ideals. Everything belongs to the state

By Mehnis• 10 Mar 2010 17:38
Mehnis

In India you are booked and could be sentenced to prison for attempt to suicide if one fails in the bid and survives. Talk about more insult to injury

By Victory_278692• 10 Mar 2010 17:34
Victory_278692

and financial systems in WEST are the major cause of recent suicides.

WK....Those all who actually tried suicide were passed in their mission and NO more here to confess ;)

By Aisha-Taweela• 10 Mar 2010 17:20
Aisha-Taweela

Suicide is unfortunately everywhere due to the fact that many have lost their self worth and it is an easy way out. Why are the suicides in Switzerland mainly by firearms? Well very logic as just about each and every household has a gun. The Swiss army makes its soldiers take their guns home! Army duty is compulsory in Switzerland. When a boy gets to the age of 18 he goes to the recrute school. Then he goes home and takes his gun home with him. Then until the age of retirement he goes back to serve the army for many times. Each time, when he is not in the army, he has his gun & bullets at home. Now they are not supposed to use their guns for private business. This used to be some kind of honor thing in the old days. The army gun was kind of sacred! But morals have changed. Also I think if you are desperate and you have this gun & bullets available it would be easy to use.

Aisha-Taweela

By nomerci• 10 Mar 2010 15:47
nomerci

Maybe the rate of reporting of , or actuaually admitting to, suicides is also very low in Muslim countries.

What comes around, goes around....

By Straight Arrow• 10 Mar 2010 15:39
Rating: 3/5
Straight Arrow

Group 4 (Low suicide rate): Countries like Spain (8.2), Italy (7.1), UK (6.9), Israel (6.3), Argentina (6.4), Brazil (4.1), Thailand (4), Iran (2), Kuwait, (2) Egypt and Jordan (0) have a very low suicide rate. It appears as if the suicide rate is low or almost non existent in Muslim countries. Well, Islam forbids suicide, so it could explain the figures. But I think a zero rate of suicide is indeed odd. There are always mentally ill people in every population and a high proportion of depressed people and those who suffer from mood related disorders commit suicide. If Islam does not allow suicide it is likely that families could be hiding the actual facts.

This is from the second link which I put in the post.

By Straight Arrow• 10 Mar 2010 15:33
Straight Arrow

See Italy, Greece, Spain they have less suicide compared to Switzerland and Sweden.

By Stone Cold• 10 Mar 2010 15:08
Stone Cold

Using bomb is even a more efficient way to sucide.

By Mehnis• 10 Mar 2010 14:31
Mehnis

I teach to a lot of people in US and I find most of the younger ones are literally lost emotionally. They really do not have anyone to go to for support. They have good jobs but are very unhappy because no one ''understands''them and their problems. Sometimes counselling too comes along in my sessions and really astonishing to say this changes quite a few depressing outlooks and ideas

By anonymous• 10 Mar 2010 14:25
anonymous

Anybody here tried suicide?

"Live with passion, Die with style"

By Formatted Soul• 10 Mar 2010 14:23
Rating: 4/5
Formatted Soul

yes Mehnis..you are right.. Family ties/support is one important factor that’s missing in that part of the world...and which make people do such things in times of emotional crisis.

By Mehnis• 10 Mar 2010 14:13
Mehnis

Lots of reasons for suicides but I guess most people are not equiped to deal with the pressures and stress of life and as we all know there is not much of family or emotional support system in the west. They do have counsellors but not many go there. The problem is too deep set originating likely from early childhood.

I am not an authority on this but as a general view I think a family is the most important set of support for any human

By Olive• 10 Mar 2010 13:47
Olive

Exactly Victory. Although I didn't know Germany had a large Swiss population.

literal people are scary, man, literal people scare me

out there trying to rid the world of its poetry while getting it wrong fundamentally down at the church of "look,it sez right here, see!" Ani Difranco

By Victory_278692• 10 Mar 2010 13:44
Victory_278692

Yep Olive......Suisse migrate to Germany for the same reasons and vice versa, for not getting adopted/adapted by locals & their culture.

By anonymous• 10 Mar 2010 13:42
anonymous

Suicides are on the rise everywhere, Guess we are becoming too soft or the stress is increasing in our lives.

"Live with passion, Die with style"

By Mehnis• 10 Mar 2010 13:42
Mehnis

It is understandable that suicides do take place in countries like India mostly due to desperation, hunger, debts and some for reasons beyong economic. But in these progressive wealthy economies large numbers of suicides show that it is more to do with lack of emotional fortitude and social deficiencies

By Olive• 10 Mar 2010 13:40
Olive

I think, especially in the case of France which has a huge immigrant population you need to look at ethnic background as well. A lot may be people who can't adjust to the culture.

literal people are scary, man, literal people scare me

out there trying to rid the world of its poetry while getting it wrong fundamentally down at the church of "look,it sez right here, see!" Ani Difranco

By Rizks• 10 Mar 2010 13:34
Rizks

lol Soniya u too brutus .....:)

By Mehnis• 10 Mar 2010 13:34
Rating: 4/5
Mehnis

one would have to look closely at the age group the suicides are taking place. It is most likely more of the younger generation who prefer to take their lives and end their percieved misery

By soniya• 10 Mar 2010 13:32
soniya

I love SWISS BELLS that the cowboys generally tie it around the neck of the cows..LOLZZZ..I have two of the same kind coz my father had been there long back..Its same like how it showed in the movie DDLJ..(refresh ur memories, guys)...lolzzz

By Olive• 10 Mar 2010 13:26
Olive

If you look at all the top suicide countries they are all very severe and repressive people with strong social mores. It's the kind of culture that breeds suicides because if you don't fit in you REALLY don't fit in.

literal people are scary, man, literal people scare me

out there trying to rid the world of its poetry while getting it wrong fundamentally down at the church of "look,it sez right here, see!" Ani Difranco

By Sandman69• 10 Mar 2010 13:24
Sandman69

I approve of suicide. It's like the "Chlorine" to the "Gene Pool"

By Victory_278692• 10 Mar 2010 13:23
Victory_278692

we too love swiss and belgian chocolates

By Victory_278692• 10 Mar 2010 13:23
Rating: 5/5
Victory_278692

with No problems and Issues, member of EU and Hi tech nation...

Small population and a big gap in generations due to avoidance from marriages and children commitments.

Highly under depression, could not identify the purpose of their Life may incite towards suicide.

By Rizks• 10 Mar 2010 13:22
Rating: 3/5
Rizks

i Love SWISS ROLLS....yummy !!:)

By anonymous• 10 Mar 2010 13:21
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

Swiss are known for their efficiency. They want to make sure they die when they try so they prefer guns while committing suicide.

"Live with passion, Die with style"

By Olive• 10 Mar 2010 13:21
Olive

I don't think there is a way to completely stop suicide, the only thing people can do is become more aware of the warning signs.

literal people are scary, man, literal people scare me

out there trying to rid the world of its poetry while getting it wrong fundamentally down at the church of "look,it sez right here, see!" Ani Difranco

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