The successive suicides of young people in Wan have brought the city's deepening economic, social and psychological problems back to the forefront. In particular, the increase in female suicides has been brought to the attention of Parliament on numerous occasions by members of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party. Motions to establish an investigation commission were rejected. Psychologist Huseyin Erol stated that economic, social and justice deprivation and psychological problems are effective in suicide cases. 

 

Erol said: "It is also a requirement of being a social state to produce programmes and policies not only through field research but also through social and expert opinions on why individuals want to disconnect from life. The state must take serious steps in this regard."

 

 

Erol stated that suicide is a global problem and has become a significant issue throughout Turkey, noting that suicide is the third leading cause of death worldwide and the eighth leading cause of death in Turkey.

 

THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC PROBLEMS 

 

Erol stated that young people have been particularly prominent among recent suicides, suggesting that this could be due to sociological, psychological, political and economic reasons. He emphasised that the combination of mental health issues experienced by young people and societal problems leads them to believe that suicide is the easiest solution. 

 

Erol stated that a number of recent economic problems, social disarray, and lack of justice also play a role in this. He added: "Economic problems can cause significant psychological issues, and if they cannot overcome these problems, they may see death as a way out. The main issue that needs to be addressed is psychological problems, i.e. mental health issues, which begin in childhood and continue into adolescence, deepening the problem. Clinically speaking, depression, persistent intense anxiety, and serious uncertainty about the future can seriously drive individuals to suicide." 

 

Erol stated that 18-year-olds in particular do not have sufficiently developed abilities to question their perception of the world, adding that children experiencing problems at this age should be listened to without being excluded. Erol stated that, according to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, suicides have reached three-digit figures, with the 15-19 age group among young people and the 15-34 age group among the general population posing a serious threat. 

 

THE STATE MUST TAKE SERIOUS STEPS

 

Erol stated that these suicides could be prevented through social state policies, noting that Turkey's practices do not comply with the definition of a social state. 

 

He concluded: "A requirement of being a social state is that the reasons why individuals want to disconnect from life can be addressed not only through field research but also by developing programmes and policies based on social and expert opinions. The state must take serious steps in this regard." 

 

MA / Lutfu Pala