Suicide: Facts, Risks, Preventions, & Helplines.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is a major public health concern and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is currently the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, early intervention, and accessible mental health support. Inka Medical Centre is committed to raising awareness and supporting individuals in Kenya through expert mental health care and guidance.
Suicide is defined as an intentional act of self-harm that results in death. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year globally, making it a critical issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. Mental health professionals recommend using respectful, non-stigmatizing language such as “died by suicide” when discussing this topic, as it promotes understanding and compassion.
Suicidal behaviour is rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, it often results from a combination of mental health conditions, prolonged life stressors, underlying medical or physical health challenges, substance use, and social or emotional difficulties. Suicidal thoughts are a serious sign of distress and require immediate attention. If you or someone you know is struggling, Inka Medical Centre provides 24/7 mental health support and encourages you to reach out through our helplines (+254-733-455-655 or +254-742-247-385) for confidential assistance.
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What is suicide?
Suicide is defined as the intentional act of causing one’s own death. It is a complex public health issue that is influenced by multiple factors rather than a single cause. Factors that may increase suicide risk include mental health conditions, chronic stress, relationship difficulties, bullying, and harassment. Suicide prevention focuses on improving access to mental health care, strengthening social and economic support systems, and promoting responsible public awareness.
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Risk factors that lead to suicide
There is no single cause of suicide but there are several factors that can lead to a person taking their own life which includes;
Substance use
Depression and mental disorders
Legal issues
Financial problems
Serious health issues
Impulsive issues
Previous suicide attempts
History of child abuse
Autism
How are environmental exposures associate with suicide?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), studies from 2021, have shown that high exposure to sunlight with intensity increases the risk of suicide. The environmental exposures which lead to drought, desertification and severe air pollution have an impact on suicidal ideation. Creating a proper balance between the meteorological , geographical, and socio-economical factors can help prevent cases of suicide among people.
Media impact on suicide cases around the world
A significant number of people ask , why do people commit suicide? Again, there is no proven reason as to why people do so. Media impact through the Werther effect has an factor on people committing suicide. The sensationalization and irresponsible coverage by media on various suicide cases increases the imitation or copycat character for suicide. Also, with the rise of social media, several cases of people being influenced to committing suicide have risen through the use of their social channels.
Suicide preventive measures
If you are experiencing thoughts about suicide, call us through our helpline now,with our qualified health care professionals at Inka Medical Center. We will offer immediate expert help and guidance to you from mental , physical and emotional health . Stay close to your friends, family and loved ones while sharing or talking to the closest person about your personal challenges facing you.
Get help from a suicide emergency hotline in Kenya
Anytime you are facing a lifetime challenge that gives you suicidal thoughts, please don’t hesitate to call the following helpline numbers for instant help and assistance. We are here for you, just in case you want someone to talk to, someone who will listen to your problems without judging you, someone to guide you overcome challenges with expert advice. These are the suicide helplines to call in Kenya:
- +254-733-455-655 or +254-7-42-247-385- Inka Medical Center
- 0722178177- Befrienders Kenya
- 116- National Child Helpline
- 1190- One2one
- 0800723253- Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF)
- +254718227440- Niskize
- 254725366614 or 254 (0) 110862 23- Oasis Africa
- 254739935333 or 254756454585- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Kenya (CBT Kenya)
- 1199- The Kenya Red Cross Society
- 25410633855 or 2542100054- Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation
Get help and immediate support in Kenya for different personal, mental, family and other related challenges by reaching out today.
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Areas of support and wellbeing we address at Inka Medical Center
- Domestic abuse and violence at home
- Anxiety and constant worry
- Bullying, harassment, and intimidation
- Memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression and persistent low mood
- Eating challenges and body image concerns
- Family conflict and household dynamics
- Gambling behaviour and addiction-related struggles
- Gender identity and sexual orientation
- Grief, bereavement, and coping with loss
- Loneliness and social isolation
- Parenting pressures and caregiving stress
- Living with chronic or serious physical illness
- Pregnancy decisions, abortion, and reproductive health
- Romantic relationships and emotional connection
- School, workplace stress, and career challenges
- Self-harm behaviours and recovery support
- Sexual abuse and personal safety
- Stress management and emotional overload
- Substance use and dependency issues
- Suicidal thoughts and crisis support
- Helping and supporting someone else in distress
- Trauma, PTSD, and long-term emotional impact
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FAQs about Suicide
What are three signs of depression or suicide?
From the previous cases of individuals who committed suicide , there are three major signs of depression leading to suicide including; self isolation, suicide talk and hopelessness.
What are three warning signs that indicate a person may be at risk of suicide?
A person who may be committing suicide, can show the following 3 signs, changes in behaviour, increased drug abuse and losing interest in friends, family and usual activities.
What are the 10 common warning signs of a mental health crisis?
The following are the 10 common warning signs of a mental health crisis;
Withdrawing from close family members and friends
Having extreme mood variations
Repeated hopeless and sadness
Concentration difficulties
Hallucinations
High substance abuse
Thoughts of suicide
Excess fear
Confused thinking behaviour
Dramatic sleeping patterns
What to do when you start feeling depressed?
The moment you start feeling depressed, do these activities to help you out fight it; Practice gentle exercises, connect with your trusted people, eat healthy and lastly seek professional help from mental health experts, therapists and doctors.
Conclusion
Suicide is a public health challenge globally with several risks factors leading to the major cause. Generally, research and studies have proven that it is possible to prevent suicide with several methods such as seeking help through specific emergency helplines and advice from doctors, close people and mental experts.At Inka Medical Center we are here for you, we care for your mental well being and we are always willing to help you out if at any point suicidal thoughts come across your mind.
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