Whereas there is no single cause, suicide is likely to occur when stressors and health issues combine to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. (Freepik)
Suicide is described as the act of intentionally causing one's own death. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 703 000 people take their own life annually (WHO newsroom fact sheets August 2023) and that it is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
Risk factors
Whereas there is no single cause, suicide is likely to occur when stressors and health issues combine to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Some of the risk factors of suicide, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, include;
- Mental health problems
- Bullying, prejudice or stigma, for example towards one’s race, gender, disability or sexual identity
- Different types of abuse, including domestic, sexual or physical abuse
- Bereavement, including losing a loved one to suicide
- The end of a relationship
- Long-term physical pain or illness
- Adjusting to a big change, such as retirement or redundancy
- Money problems
- Housing problems, including homelessness
- Isolation or loneliness
- Being in prison
- Feeling inadequate or a failure
- Addiction or substance abuse
- Pregnancy, childbirth or postnatal depression
- Doubts about your sexual or gender identity
- Cultural pressure, such as forced marriage
- Society's expectations, for example to act a certain way or achieve certain things
- Other forms of trauma
Warning signs
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center, brings out suicidal behaviors that can indicate an immediate risk of suicide to include;
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or obtaining a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Those that present a serious risk—especially if the behavior is new; has increased; and/or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change, are;
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Getting help
The approach aims to provide a range of services that promote the well-being of refugees, including community-based protection, education, nutrition, livelihoods, shelter, and health.
- The UNHCR also recognizes the importance of providing Mental health and psychosocial support that are culturally sensitive and gender-responsive in all refugee settlements in Uganda. So refugees who are experiencing issues of suicide thoughts should get help from UNHCR support desk
- If a refugee or asylum seeker is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues in Uganda, it is important to seek help from professionals. The Uganda Helpline is a toll-free helpline that provides emotional support and counseling services. You can reach them at 0800202000 or 08001000663.
- Additionally, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) is a local non-governmental organization that offers mental health and psychosocial support services to refugees in Uganda. They provide counseling and support to individuals struggling with mental health and suicidal issues.
- Refugees can also seek help from the trained health workers and support staffs from the settlements to help them get out of the trauma that is making them feel like committing suicide, these support staffs will help them through counseling sessions that will make them have hope in life again.
For help, please contact the following organizations:
United Nations Resident coordinator’s Office
5th floor, World Food Program building Plot 17-19,
Clement Hill Road Kampala, Uganda
Transcultural psychosocial Organization (TPO)
Munyonyo Wamala Close Block 257, Plot 652
P.O.BOX 21646 Kampala Uganda
Tell no. 0414-510256.
Call Toll free.0800202000 or 08001000663
Mental Health Uganda
Tel no. (0800)-21-21-21
Open 8.30am to 5.00pm