Suicide is a complex and delicate topic that has been the subject of study and reflection in psychology and other disciplines for centuries. Throughout history, different types of suicide have been identified according to various criteria, ranging from psychological to sociological aspects. Understanding these classifications can shed light on the motivations and circumstances that can lead a person to make the tragic decision to take their own life.
Types of Suicide according to Durkheim
Egoistic Suicide
One of the best-known types of suicide is that identified by sociologist Émile Durkheim as "egoistic suicide". This type of suicide occurs when a person feels disconnected or alienated from their social environment, which may be due to a lack of meaningful relationships, emotional support, or a sense of belonging. Loneliness and isolation can aggravate this type of suicide, since the person may perceive that their life lacks value for others.
Altruistic Suicide
On the other hand, Durkheim also identified "altruistic suicide", which occurs when a person considers that taking one's own life is an act for the benefit of others. This type of suicide may be linked to cultural or religious norms that glorify personal sacrifice on behalf of the group. In some cases, altruistic suicidal acts are performed as a display of loyalty, honor, or devotion to a specific cause or community.
Anomic Suicide
Another type of suicide proposed by Durkheim is "anomic suicide", which is related to the lack of clear social norms or to moments of crisis in which traditional structures collapse. Situations of sudden change, such as economic losses, natural disasters or social conflicts, can trigger this type of suicide, since the person feels disoriented and without a frame of reference to face adversity.
Types of Suicide according to Motivations
Impulsive Suicide
Impulsive suicide is characterized by being a hasty action without prior planning. People who commit suicide impulsively often act suddenly and in response to an acute crisis situation, such as a heated argument, a major failure, or the loss of a loved one. Impulsivity can be a determining factor in these cases, since the person makes the decision without reflecting on the consequences.
Planned Suicide
In contrast to impulsive suicide, planned suicide involves careful preparation and organization on the part of the person who wishes to take their own life. This type of suicide may involve acquiring lethal means, writing farewell notes, selecting a specific place and time, among other details. People who opt for planned suicide usually have greater determination and firmness in their decision.
Ambivalent Suicide
Ambivalent suicide is characterized by a mixture of contradictory desires, in which The person experiences both attraction to the idea of dying and fear or ambivalence toward the suicidal act. This type of internal conflict can manifest itself in intermittent self-destructive behaviors, failed suicide attempts, or thought patterns oscillating between life and death. Ambivalence can make suicide prevention difficult, since the person can send confusing signals about their true intentions.
Types of Suicide According to Risk Factors
Suicide Associated with Mental Disorders
One of the most relevant risk factors for suicide is the presence of mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. People who suffer from these conditions have a higher risk of committing suicide due to their psychological suffering, alterations in their perception of reality and difficulty regulating their emotions. Early detection and appropriate treatment of mental disorders are essential to prevent suicide in this population group.
Suicide Related to Substance Abuse
Another important risk factor is substance abuse, such as alcohol and drugs. Chronic excessive use of psychoactive substances can impair judgment, decrease natural inhibitors, and increase impulsivity, which can lead to suicidal behaviors. Additionally, people who abuse substances may resort to suicide as a way to escape painful reality and find temporary relief in death.
Suicide in Vulnerable Populations
Some groups of population present a higher risk of suicide due to factors such as marginalization, discrimination, poverty, unemployment or lack of access to mental health services. These vulnerable populations include LGBTQ+ youth, migrants, older adults, indigenous people, and other minority groups who face significant social and emotional difficulties. Suicide prevention in these populations requires specific approaches that are sensitive to their particular needs.
Types of Suicide by Age and Gender
Suicide in Adolescents
Adolescents They are a population group especially vulnerable to suicide due to the intensity of the emotions typical of this stage of development, social pressure, family conflicts, bullying, among other factors. Suicide in adolescents may be related to self-esteem problems, difficulties managing stress, eating disorders or the presence of undiagnosed mental disorders.
Suicide in Young Adults
For young adults, suicide can be linked to the transition to adulthood, social expectations, employment and economic challenges, as well as the search for identity and purpose. Pressure to meet certain standards of success, competition in the workplace, or difficulty establishing meaningful relationships can increase the risk of suicide at this stage of life.
Suicide in Older Adults
On the other hand, older people also face specific challenges that can lead to suicide, such as loneliness, loss of autonomy, chronic illnesses, grieving the loss of loved ones or social isolation. Suicide in older adults may be driven by the feeling of being a burden on the family, a lack of emotional support, or the perception that quality of life has irreparably decreased.
Conclusions
In summary, suicide is a complex phenomenon that can manifest itself in various ways and have multiple causes. Understanding the different types of suicide based on various criteria, such as those proposed by Durkheim, motivations, risk factors, age and gender, can help mental health professionals identify and effectively address warning signs. and the triggering factors that can lead a person to make the tragic decision to take their own life.
Suicide prevention is a challenge that involves the entire society, from the promotion of mental health and access to support services, to the elimination of stigmas and raising awareness on this issue. If you know someone who may be at risk of committing suicide, do not hesitate to offer your support, listen to their concerns, and guide them to professional resources that can help them overcome their difficulties.
Remember that suicide is not the solution to problems, and that there are always alternatives and people willing to accompany you in times of crisis. Life is valuable and deserves to be lived fully, with hope, love and understanding.