Believe it or not, the island has an average of one suicide every two weeks, according to Michelle Sasamoto, coordinator of Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center’s Prevention and Training Branch.
Record also shows that targets of suicide prevention are Chuukese, Chamorros and Japanese. Suicide deaths are highest among youths and young adults, with about 60 percent occurring to those under the age of 30 years.
With this, Guam is eyeing the power of social media in preventing suicides with the government urging the community to be more aware of social posts that may be alarming and lead to a person taking his or her own life.
“If you read something like ‘I love you,’ ‘I’m sorry,’ and other messages that may suggest something, we can act on them by talking to the person or sending him private messages,” said Sasamoto, in a phone interview.
The government, through the center, has integrated various programs to prevent suicides, along with some support groups.
Jennifer Muehlenkamp, a professor who specializes in suicidology at the University of Wisconsin, said that social media can play a powerful role in suicide prevention because “it is really an active avenue for asking help because that sense of anonymity that people have which is typing to a screen can sometimes make them more willing to disclose things that they wouldn’t disclose face to face.”
In the US mainland, national suicide experts partner with companies like Facebook, Twitter and search engines. If someone types in words related to suicides, prevention lifelines will pop up.
The suicide death rate for Guam is more than double compared to that of the US mainland. This is based on the study contained in a 33-page book entitled “A Profile of Suicide on Guam,” which was published in September 2011.
The data may not be updated, Sasamoto said, but it still contains relevant and current information.
The study shows that Guam’s suicide rate is higher than the Philippines, “but lower than the rates seen in China, Japan and South Korea.”
Hanging tops the methods of suicides among males. Many of the victims also leave direct evidence like notes of their intention to commit suicide.
This pattern is unlike that seen in the US mainland, Japan and South Korea, where suicide deaths occur predominantly among older adults.
“Survivors of Suicide Support Group” holds a gathering for youths and adults every second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Peace Office, in Hagatna. Some of the other programs are the 24-hour crisis hotline, 647-8833, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
According to a study by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, those who have suicidal tendencies exhibit warning signs like talking about killing themselves, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped and feeling an unbearable pain.
A study on Guam suicides also shows that youths appear to have a higher likelihood of thinking about suicide, making a suicide plan and actually attempting suicide as compared to their counterparts in the US mainland.
Family problems or disputes are among the cause of suicides in the island.
The website www.suicide.org, explained that any untreated mental
illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and
others may cause suicide.
Further, it says, that depression which eventually leads to suicide, is caused by the following: the death of a loved one; a divorce; a separation or breakup of a relationship; losing custody of children; or feeling that a child custody decision is not fair; a serious loss such as that of a job, house or money; a serious illness; a terminal illness; a serious accident; chronic physical pain; intense emotional pain; loss of hope; domestic violence like rape, assault; physical abuse; verbal abuse; sexual abuse; feeling helpless; serious legal problems; alcohol abuse; drug abuse; feeling of not being accepted by family, friends or society; bullying and low self-esteem.
Guam celebrates Suicide Prevention Month this September./The Junction News Team
