One of the most severe and challenging problems that require an appropriate solution is suicidal behavior among teenagers and young adults. Of course, there is a great number of reasons, including traumas, emotional instability, phycological disorders, major conflicts. These factors are likely to contribute to one’s desire to commit suicide, but all of them may be united into three groups. Therefore, precisely specific behavioral patterns, genes, and the social environment have a considerable influence on one’s suicidal tendencies.
To begin with, it is necessary to mention that bad heredity can affect the development of a person’s self-violence. For example, if one of the parents or close relatives was diagnosed with substance abuse, alcoholism, schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder, one’s chances of developing suicidal behavior increase (Brodsky, 2016). Moreover, the epigenetic regulation of the HPA axis, as well as the gene called the BDNF Met allele, tend to contribute to the risk for suicide (Brodsky, 2016). The good news is that a person with all these familial and genetic factors can still escape this deadly action.
The hostile social environment is rather dangerous for emotionally unstable people. Researchers note that “early life adversity increases the risk of suicide” (Brodsky, 2016, p. 89). For example, poor childhood, past traumas, constantly being humiliated and ridiculed, experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, and becoming discriminated contributes to one’s suicidal tendencies (Brodsky, 2016). What is more, such experiences can trigger special genes that also increase the risks.
Finally, one’s behavioral patterns are of great significance and related to self-harm. The way a person acts, speaks, walks, and interacts with other people is shaped by his or her social and genetic background (Brodsky, 2016). Adopting new traits of character or giving up some habits may trigger the suicidal genes or cause social traumas, which together increase the chances of one’s suicidal thoughts. Therefore, specific behavioral patterns can either reduce or raise the risks.
To draw a conclusion, one may say that it is never right to judge a person who tried to or committed suicide. It is impossible to know the real reasons, and someone who is called weak may just have his or her genes triggered. These three factors (genetics, behavioral patterns, and social environment) cannot be underestimated. Therefore, it is people’s goal to discuss this topic as much as possible and let everyone learn about the contributing agents.
Reference
Brodsky, B. S. (2016). Early childhood environment and genetic interactions: The diathesis for suicidal behavior. Current Psychiatry Reports, 18(9), 86-93.