Suicide Tendency has been Increased in Bengali Community in Toronto

 Pamelia Riviere

  I am deeply saddened to learn that so many children in the Bengali community have taken their own lives over the decades. Shortly after moving to Canada in 2001, I met a family friend whose 15-year-old son died by suicide, driven by his anger towards his father. Despite his parents’ best efforts to protect him, they were ultimately unable to do so. There have been several tragic suicides in recent years, including a few in 2024. This ongoing pain is difficult to bear, and it compels me to reflect on the urgent need to address this critical issue.  During my sociology studies, I explored Emile Durkheim's book "Suicide," published in 1897. This work is considered a foundational study in understanding social behaviours and provides important insights into the phenomenon of suicide, which has existed among humans and animals for a long time.

  Suicide refers to death because of a change in the victim’s behaviour, positive or negative, which he knows the result of. According to Durkheim, social integration is also one of the reasons for this. For example, when minority groups became an integral part of society, they faced enormous peer pressure to do something different, which led to high rates of suicides among them.  Emile Durkheim identified four types of suicide based on the balance between social integration and moral regulation. He argued that suicide is not merely a personal act but a result of societal forces. Durkheim rejected psychological explanations, emphasizing that social factors drive suicide, particularly during crises like war or economic upheaval.  The four types of suicide are:  1. Egoistic Suicide: Stemming from a lack of social integration, this occurs when individuals feel disconnected from their community, leading to feelings of meaninglessness and depression. It's more common among unmarried individuals who lack social support.  2. Altruistic Suicide:

This type arises when individuals feel overwhelmed by societal goals, prioritizing the group over personal needs. Durkheim noted that while such societies may discourage suicide, individuals might still take their lives for the greater good, such as during military service.  3. Anomie Suicide: Resulting from moral confusion during social and economic upheaval, this type signifies a disconnection from societal norms and aspirations. Individuals may experience disappointment and uncertainty about their place in society, especially during significant changes.  4. Fatalistic Suicide: This occurs in highly regulated environments where individuals feel trapped and oppressed. Durkheim considered this a theoretical concept, noting it was unlikely to occur in reality.  Despite its limitations, including an overemphasis on social factors, Durkheim’s theory of suicide remains influential in sociology.

He also examined the differences in suicide rates between Protestants and Catholics, suggesting that greater social control in Catholic societies leads to lower rates, though this interpretation has faced criticism. Now, let’s examine the situation regarding suicide in Canada.  Sucide Status in Canada  To discuss on suicide I heavily rely on Statistics Canada. According to the Suicide Canada government webpage, suicide affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds in Canada.  Every year, around 4,500 people in Canada take their own lives, which amounts to 12 individuals dying by suicide daily.  For each person who dies by suicide, many more grapple with suicidal thoughts or attempts.  Every day, over 200 individuals in Canada attempt suicide.  For every suicide death, approximately 7 to 10 loved ones are deeply impacted by the loss.   Defining suicide   The Canada Suicide website defines suicide as the deliberate act of ending one’s life. A suicide attempt signifies an effort to take one’s life.

Such attempts indicate that an individual is in need of support and may have an elevated risk for suicide.   Suicide-related behaviours   Actions related to suicide may involve: contemplating or considering suicide; creating a plan for suicide; making a suicide attempt; and being a suicide survivor.   Survivors are those who have:   - lost someone to suicide   - survived a suicide attempt and might continue to face suicidal thoughts or related behaviours.   Suffering and suicide   Individuals who die by suicide often do not genuinely wish to end their lives. Instead, they frequently desire to alleviate significant or unbearable mental, emotional, or physical anguish. They seek to cease their suffering or resolve a situation that feels insurmountable to them.   How to talk about suicide  

We prefer to use the terms “attempt” and “died by suicide” because they contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues. Stigma refers to the negative perceptions attached to specific individuals, traits, actions, behaviours, or circumstances.   Using the phrase “commit suicide” implies that it is a criminal act. Suicide is not a crime. These negative perceptions can complicate the process for individuals seeking help and hinder the healing of survivors affected by suicide.   Those affected by suicide   Suicide's impact extends beyond the individual. It is a calamity that influences many in society, including: peers, friends, coworkers, communities, and family members.  It also affects: coaches, teachers, faith leaders, recreational staff, community workers, mental health professionals, health and social service providers, and others.   Additionally, it may impact first responders involved in suicide prevention. They may face an increased risk of suicide due to their exposure to trauma while on duty. First responders encompass: firefighters, paramedics, police officers, military personnel, correctional officers, and other emergency personnel.

  Populations with higher risk for suicide   In Canada, certain groups have elevated rates or risk for suicide: men and boys, individuals serving federal sentences, survivors of suicide loss and those who have attempted suicide, specific First Nation and Métis communities, particularly among youth, and individuals residing in Inuit regions in Canada.   Women display higher rates of self-harm, which can serve as a risk factor for suicide.  Suicidal thoughts and related behaviours occur more frequently among 2SLGBTQI+ youth in comparison to their non-LGBTQ counterparts.   During the COVID-19 pandemic, adults in Canada reported an increase in suicidal thoughts. In 2019, 2.7% of Canadian adults indicated experiencing suicidal thoughts.

By spring 2021, this number significantly rose to 4.2%.   Suicide in Canada: Key statistics (infographic)   The organization provides an infographic detailing suicide in Canada based on Public Health Agency of Canada data.   Deaths and hospitalizations   Approximately 12 individuals die by suicide each day.  Annually, around 4,500 deaths occur due to suicide.   The suicide rate among men is roughly three times higher than that of women.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults (ages 15-34).   Behaviours related to suicide   Thoughts   - 12% have experienced thoughts of suicide at some point in their lives.   - 2.6% have had suicidal thoughts within the past year.   Plans   - 4.2% have made plans for suicide during their lifetime.   - 0.8% have planned suicide in the past year.   Attempts   - 3.1% have attempted suicide at some point in their lives.   - 0.3% have attempted suicide in the past year.   Concluding Remarks  Published data above may not fully capture the total number of reported deaths, attempts, plans, and thoughts of suicide due to stigma and other factors.  It is essential to take the issue of suicide seriously to safeguard our children.

  I commend their efforts to raise awareness within the Bengali community. People's voice has the power to effect change. However, understanding the impact of suicide rates among Bengali children in Canada will require time and further research. Currently, there is insufficient study on this diaspora to facilitate comparisons across different provinces, cities, or ethnic groups. To reduce the mortality rate, I recommend conducting studies focused on suicide within various ethnic communities.   If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are worried about someone else, please remember that you are not alone.  The writer is a Freelance writer and analyst.