"Physiology and Psychology cover, between them, the field of vital phenomena; they deal with the facts of life at large, and in particular with the facts of human life"
Wilhelm Wundt

Friday, 3 October 2014

Suicides among those returning to school

I have just read a paper on how a new age phenomenon that is wildly un-reported effects a large number of school children around the world. Suicide is never a nice subject to discuss, it can be considered quite taboo in the sense that there are a large number of the population that believe it to be out of weakness. I myself do not adopt these views, though suicide may seem like an "easy way out" it is hard to understand the pain someone must have been going through in order to even consider such a traumatic ordeal. I do not see it as a weakness but a way of escaping a crushing dysphoric state, the mental anguish involved can be so crippling that recovery sounds like an unrealistic alternative. 






I find it troubling that there are school children out there who feel like suicide is a better alternative than to face the current educational system. Whether this is because of bullying or dealing with academic pressure, there should be more efficient ways of identifying the symptoms of suicidal tendencies. SAD (Seasonal affective disorder) could in some cases play a part, those that suffer from SAD could find seasonal change and the pressure of returning to school too much to bare. All of these things including the pressure of social acceptance and the strain parents put on their kids to do well, it’s understandable how some children are pushed to the edge. 

I feel that all teachers in any academic establishment should be taught how to identify potential risks of suicide among their classes, Universities not so much as many offer very good mental health care for those who need it, but schools I think underestimate the serious effect education can have and its ability to chip away at ones mental integrity. I really do hope that more will be done about this problem so that children can get the help they need. 

If you would like to read more on this topic then follow this link to a paper done my Carla Clark, PhD:

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