Decriminalize suicide - Clinical Psychologist

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• . ..AGBESI KWESI 8 years ago

  My lecturer, well said

  My lecturer, well said

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• Tekonline.org 8 years ago

  "...every individual has a chemical in the brain known as dopamine hypothesis..."
  
  I think our dear journalist meant "a chemical in the brain known as dopamine". Yes, there is a dopamine HYPOTHESIS, and that is not a chemic ...
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  "...every individual has a chemical in the brain known as dopamine hypothesis..."
  
  I think our dear journalist meant "a chemical in the brain known as dopamine". Yes, there is a dopamine HYPOTHESIS, and that is not a chemical.
  
  All the major brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) are involved in mood disorders, like depression: SEROTONIN, NOREPINEPHRINE, GABA, ACETYLCHOLINE. But, DOPAMINE remains the star, as the main pleasure molecule. It is now known that almost all pleasurable activities involve the release of dopamine. Even enjoying a delicious meal involves its release.
  
  Nature put it there to MOTIVATE us in doing things. In fact, there is a reward center in the brain (nucleus accumbens) where the release of dopamine is regulated, and very much implicated in drug addiction.
  
  Also, other chemicals, like the nicotine in tobacco, produce pleasure by indirectly stimulating the release of dopamine.

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• Brazo 8 years ago

  As usual, very enlightening input, Tekonline.
  
  Do you have any info to share about why some get totally consumed by suicidal thoughts?

  As usual, very enlightening input, Tekonline.
  
  Do you have any info to share about why some get totally consumed by suicidal thoughts?

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• Tekonline.org 8 years ago

  I would say the phenomenon is quite complex and doesn't even fit into the standard theory of evolution: we are programmed for SELF-PRESERVATION rather than SELF-DESTRUCTION.
  
  We do have powerful hormones (like adrenaline) ...
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  I would say the phenomenon is quite complex and doesn't even fit into the standard theory of evolution: we are programmed for SELF-PRESERVATION rather than SELF-DESTRUCTION.
  
  We do have powerful hormones (like adrenaline) that energize us to flee from danger. So why would we "acquire" a mechanism for destroying ourselves?
  
  Like many biological phenomena that don't seem to make sense (in terms of the forces of evolution and the survival of the species), the simplest explanation would be: BIOLOGICAL ANOMALY.
  
  An example of such an anomaly is an episode of a severe asthma attack. The body senses there is a foreign object in the airways, so mechanisms get triggered to constrict the windpipes so much that the patient can no longer breathe and dies.
  
  Another case is viral hepatitis. The body senses an invasion by viruses in the liver. Powerful chemical are released ("inflammation") destroying the entire liver and killing the patient unintentionally.
  
  
  The enormous complexity of the human brain makes such anomalies even harder to understand.
  
  In most cases, severe CLINICAL depression is to blame for suicidal thoughts. I emphasized "clinical" because that is quite different from "normal" depression --the type we all experience following a job loss, the death of a loved one, failure to gain admission into a great school, missing an important flight, or losing a presidential election.
  
  One could also get depressed because of CHEMICAL IMBALANCE in the brain, either inherited, or through random gene mutation, or due to presence of toxins, from malnutrition, or whatever changes the balance of certain chemicals responsible for mood, emotion, and drive.
  
  Behind all the emotional states we experience in life are REAL chemicals (neurotransmitters and neuromodulators). But the levels of these chemicals are tightly controlled. Some are destroyed by the brain as soon as they are released. Others are released then quickly reabsorbed ("reuptake process").
  
  Almost all the recreational and narcotic drugs work by interfering with the control of the levels of normal brain chemicals, either by preventing their reabsorption or by blocking their destruction, so that these brain chemicals now tend to hang around much longer thereby overstimulating and making one "high".
  
  Many other narcotic drugs work by imitation, or fooling the brain that they are the real thing, because chemically they resemble the real thing.
  
  So, our minds are in a way at the mercy of these brain chemicals called neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.
  
  There are also natural processes that can affect the balance of mood chemicals in the brain. Sleep deprivation is one. Stay up all night and most likely you would experience the state of depression (among other symptoms) the following afternoon.
  
  And since the brain chemicals are made from building blocks we ingest as food, malnutrition might also affect certain moods, although nothing as troubling as severe depression.
  
  So indeed, we are wired (through certain brain chemicals) for self-preservation but if for one reason or another those chemicals are severely in short supply, strange thoughts can result, including the feeling of worthlessness.
  
  Nurturing also affects the make up of our brains. A newborn that never experiences tender loving care can develop abnormal chemical levels as well as structures in the brain.
  
  Childhood trauma is also know to cause brain abnormalities.
  
  (There is a lot I haven't had time to cover, but I hope at least I've provided the basic concepts without getting into any hardcore theories of psychiatry. Needless to say, this is a rather complex issue and the science is still evolving).

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• Kwasi 8 years ago

  Low dopamine level is just one factor among the many causes of suicide.

  Low dopamine level is just one factor among the many causes of suicide.

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• Tekonline.org 8 years ago

  Even at the chemical level, other neurotransmitters can be culprits: low serotonin, norepinephrine, or high acetylcholine.
  
  There is an over-the-counter supplement called citicholine, which is structurally similar to the na ...
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  Even at the chemical level, other neurotransmitters can be culprits: low serotonin, norepinephrine, or high acetylcholine.
  
  There is an over-the-counter supplement called citicholine, which is structurally similar to the naturally-occurring neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Many patients have reported depressive feelings upon taking citicholine.

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• Tekonline.org 8 years ago

  Even at the chemical level, other neurotransmitters are just as responsible for severe depression: low serotonin, low norepinephrine, high acetylcholine,etc.
  
  One over-the-counter supplement, citicoline, is known to induce ...
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  Even at the chemical level, other neurotransmitters are just as responsible for severe depression: low serotonin, low norepinephrine, high acetylcholine,etc.
  
  One over-the-counter supplement, citicoline, is known to induce depression in many patients. The chemical resembles the naturally-occurring neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

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• Regina Amagyei 8 years ago

  Stop decriminalizing suicide

  Stop decriminalizing suicide

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• obi 8 years ago

  why cant u tell them to stop that movies they do on tv stations ,whiles this girls take all day to watch and night

  why cant u tell them to stop that movies they do on tv stations ,whiles this girls take all day to watch and night

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• Abdulai Mahamadu 8 years ago

  Less noise pertaining decriminalization of attempted suicides,the law must be in force whatsoever.

  Less noise pertaining decriminalization of attempted suicides,the law must be in force whatsoever.

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• Kwasi 8 years ago

  Causes
  While the cause of suicide is unknown, some common risk factors include:
  
  major psychiatric illness - in particular, mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
  substance abuse (primarily alc ...
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  Causes
  While the cause of suicide is unknown, some common risk factors include:
  
  major psychiatric illness - in particular, mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
  substance abuse (primarily alcohol abuse)
  family history of suicide
  long term difficulties with relationships with friends and family
  losing hope or the will to live
  significant losses in a person's life, such as the death of a loved one, loss of an important relationship, loss of employment or self-esteem
  unbearable emotional or physical pain
  Warning signs and risk factors
  A person who is at risk of committing suicide usually shows signs - whether consciously or unconsciously - that something is wrong. Keep an eye out for:
  
  signs of clinical depression withdrawal from friends and family sadness and hopelessness
  lack of interest in previous activities, or in what is going on around them physical changes, such as lack of energy, different sleep patterns, change in weight or appetite loss of self-esteem, negative comments about self-worth bringing up death or suicide in discussions or in writing Previous suicide attempts getting personal affairs in order, such as giving away possessions, or having a pressing interest in personal wills or life insurance
  Though many people considering suicide seem sad, some mask their feelings with excessive energy. Agitation, hyperactivity, and restlessness may indicate an underlying depression that is being concealed.
  
  Many people believe that even though a person might talk about suicide, they will not actually do it. In fact, talking about suicide is a warning sign that the person is at greater risk. If you become so overwhelmed by your problems that suicide becomes a consideration, you deserve to be taken seriously.
  
  Talking about suicide means that the potential exists to take your own life - even if you do not actually do it. Denial will not make the threat of suicide disappear and can only leave you feeling more alone and in anguish. If you are having thoughts of suicide, see your doctor or a counsellor for help.
  
  How to help
  Do not hesitate to talk about suicide. If you think that someone you know is considering suicide, raise the subject. People are often relieved to talk to somebody about it. Recognizing their agony helps to ease the distress of carrying the burden of pain alone. It is important to listen to what somebody has to say without passing judgment on their feelings. Keep in mind that having no opportunity to talk about how badly they feel will only make a person feel more isolated.
  
  You may sometimes worry that bringing up the subject of suicide will give ideas to an individual who is already depressed. On the contrary, showing your concern lets a person in distress know that somebody is listening to them. If that person really is considering taking their own life, talking provides an outlet for intense, often overwhelming feelings.
  
  Ask direct questions - avoiding the topic may show that you do not take a person's threats seriously enough to inquire. Find out if suicide has been considered, and if they have thought out how and when they want to do it. The more details that have been worked out, the greater the danger that someone plans to commit suicide.
  
  Suicide attempts are often a cry for help. While suicidal people are still alive, they may be holding out hope that they will find the means to cope with their emotions. Urge anybody who is considering suicide to get the counselling and medical or psychological support that they need as soon as possible.

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• JOHNSON AGYEKUM 8 years ago

  Well said DR.

  Well said DR.

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• Maame 8 years ago

  Thank you Dr. I wish people will read this and stop making every suicide political. We are all individuals what one person can find a solution to a problem , another person cannot ,so please don't blame people who commit suic ...
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  Thank you Dr. I wish people will read this and stop making every suicide political. We are all individuals what one person can find a solution to a problem , another person cannot ,so please don't blame people who commit suicide. Now we know their Dopamine is low

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• Eddy 8 years ago

  Thanks doctor. I agree with you 100%. if the world wants us to allow gays and transgenders their right then we also need to allow people who want to take their own life for their own reasons to do so because they also have ...
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  Thanks doctor. I agree with you 100%. if the world wants us to allow gays and transgenders their right then we also need to allow people who want to take their own life for their own reasons to do so because they also have the right

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