Suicidal Behaviour: Views, Attitudes and Personal Experiences in a student Population.

Abstract

Suicidal behaviour seems to be a relatively common occurrence. Suicide is now ranked as high as the 8th cause of death. The statistics show that 500,000 to 1.200.000 people worldwide kill themselves annually, and that this number may grow to 1.500.000 people by 2020, should preventive programs not be implemented (WHO, 2000). The ways in which we think about self-harm and suicide are influenced by a number of factors including the religious and cultur­al context in which we have been raised, [t has been found that one of the biiggest problems connected with suicide and, is the fact that parents, teaching staff, mental health professionals, and the youth population itself are not made aware of a variety of myths and misconceptions associated with this topic. 
  The present study is concerned with the views of Greek students' views on the issue of suicide as well as their personal experiences of suicidal ideation or attempts, A sample of 275 students was administered an anonymous question­naire which aimed to explore their perceptions and attitudes towards suicidal behaviour as well as several myths and realities surrounding this issue. It also investigated their personal experience with any suicidal thoughts or attempts of self-harm and/or suicide. It was found that a great proportion of the simple had a limited knowledge regarding the phenomenon of suicidal behaviour and that a notable amount has been concerned in the past with some form of self-harm­ing behaviour. The implications for the need of raising public awareness as well as implementing effective prevention programs are discussed.