Suicidal Tendencies of Americans

No matter the race or ethnicity, there have been many suicides committed by people who may feel they are at their wits ends. The emotional pain causes someone, to think about suicide as his or her only alternative. Some do it because they feel so guilty, hurt and humiliated, or hopeless about their current situation. They feel like they would be better dead, than to experience any more pain. It does not matter what problem people face in their lives, each crisis creates emotional strife for them.

Thoughts of Suicide

Most people will deal with an array of problems, before they begin thinking about suicide. They may feel abandoned or overwhelmed by their personal grief, which causes them to think dying is the only way out. Over the years, many theories have developed, in order to explain why someone would think this way. Actually, no one knows exactly what pushes someone to commit suicide. However, they have developed a set a warning signs, which will enable a person to spot a depressed loved one.

Moral Theories

According to Macoinis (2006), Sociologist, to explain their behavior, developed structural-Functional approach. He suggests that even God-fearing people think about committing suicide, but they will not usually act upon their thoughts. They each believe that suicide will put their immortal soul in danger, due to their spiritual commitment. However, some religions teach suicide, as a way to become a martyr for their personal cause.

Social Theories

According to J. Macoinis (2006), E. Durkheim believed that people of low social integration would cause someone to commit suicide. Meanwhile, other Sociologist theorizes that changes in society or social inequality, maybe the main reason someone takes his or her life. Either way, suicide has become a "local epidemic" (NCIPC, 2006). There are many reasons that someone will choose to commit suicide, instead of facing their immediate problem.

Conclusion

No matter the reason, everyone is at risk for suicidal tendencies from the young child to an elderly person. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2007), there are warning signs that we can look for. Awareness of the symptoms can save someone's life, before it is too late. Therefore, it is important for others to learn the signs and symptoms. Since, it may be someone in your family, a friend, or someone at work that is in need of immediate help.

References:

National Institute of Mental Health (2006) Suicide in the U.S.: Statistics and Prevention
Retrieved online on January 21, 2007
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/harmsway.cfm#races

Macoinis, J (2006) Society: The Basics
Eighth Edition Textbook, p. 12-14
Published by Prentice Hall & Pearson Education
IBSN-0-536-12116-8

National Center for Injury Protection and Control (2006) Suicide Fact Sheet
Retrieved online on January 21, 2007
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/suifacts.htm