How to save a life

South Korea has the highest suicide rate among the OECD countries, 13,195 people died by suicide in 2020. Generally, men commit more suicide than women. In South Korea the ratio in 2020 was men: 35.5 per 100,000, and women: 15.9 per 100,000.
Emile Durkheim provided a sociological theory of suicide in 1897. He argued that suicide rates could be explained by social factors rather than individual psychological factors alone.
Durkheim argued that individuals with weak social ties are more likely to commit suicide. Individuals to strengthen their social bonds require a sense of belonging.
He identified three main types of suicide: Egoistic, altruistic, and anomic. Egoistic suicide occurs when individuals feel disconnected from society due to weak social ties. Altruistic suicide happens when individuals are overly integrated into society, sacrificing themselves for the collective good. Anomic suicide occurs during periods of social disruption or normlessness, such as economic crises.
Durkheim emphasized the importance of social integration, regulation, and cultural norms in understanding and preventing suicide, arguing that strong social bonds and clear societal norms can act as protective factors against suicidal behaviour.
It is important to emphasize social support in preventing suicide. This could involve organizing community events, offering support groups for individuals experiencing difficulties, and encouraging open communication about mental health issues.
Social integration or its lack and mental illness are all interrelated.
Suicide is influenced by various social, psychological, and individual factors. Some common social factors include:
1. Social isolation: Feelings of loneliness or being disconnected from others can increase the risk of suicide.
2. Relationship problems: Conflict, abuse, or loss of relationships (such as through divorce or bereavement) can contribute to suicidal thoughts.
3. Stigma and discrimination: Facing discrimination based on factors like sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or socioeconomic status can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness.
4. Media reporting: Sensationalized or irresponsible media reporting of suicide can contribute to "contagion" or copycat suicides.
Psychological factors also play a significant role, including:
1. Mental illness: Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorders are major risk factors for suicide.
2. Hopelessness: Feeling trapped in difficult circumstances without seeing a way out can lead to a sense of hopelessness.
3. Impulsivity: Some suicides occur impulsively, without much planning, especially among individuals with mood disorders.
4. Low self-esteem: Negative self-perceptions and feelings of worthlessness can contribute to suicidal thoughts.
5. Trauma: Experiencing trauma, abuse, or adverse childhood experiences can increase vulnerability to suicide.
It is important to note that suicide is a multifaceted issue, and individuals may have unique combinations of risk factors. Prevention efforts often focus on addressing these factors through community support, mental health education, access to mental health services, and reducing stigma surrounding mental illness and help-seeking behaviours.
Several countries including South Korea have implemented effective suicide prevention strategies. South Korea has made significant strides in addressing its high suicide rate through comprehensive public health and community initiatives.
One key aspect of South Korea's approach is the establishment of the "Suicide Prevention Centre" within the Korea Suicide Prevention Center (KSPC), which coordinates nationwide suicide prevention efforts.
The centre provides crisis intervention services, suicide hotlines, counselling, and education programs. Additionally, South Korea has implemented community-based interventions, including gatekeeper training programs to educate teachers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to recognize signs of suicide risk and intervene effectively.
Moreover, South Korea has focused on reducing access to lethal means, such as pesticides and charcoal, which were commonly used methods of suicide in the past. This has involved legislative measures, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
While South Korea still faces challenges in addressing mental health stigma and providing adequate mental health services, its concerted efforts in suicide prevention have resulted in a decline in the country's suicide rate in recent years, demonstrating the effectiveness of comprehensive and coordinated strategies.
What can Bangladesh learn from the best practices in other countries?
As a student many years ago, transitioning from Bagerhat, a small town, to Dhaka University, and later briefly serving as a lecturer, I vividly recall the challenges of social and emotional adjustment.
During my student days, I distinctly remember storming out of a class one day. Later, I had a heart-to-heart conversation with one of my teachers, Anwarullah Chowdhury, who provided comfort and showed empathy. That was all I needed.
I wish teachers were more concerned and provided pastoral care to students as and when they needed it.
But students deserve better today. They need professional care. Every educational institution needs to deploy the services of counsellors for students and faculty who need such services. 
Had there been such institutional support and care, perhaps, we would not lose Sadi Mohammed and Fairuz Abantkia prematurely. Are there enough suicide prevention hotlines in Bangladesh?
A good society is a caring society.
Habibul Haque Khondker is a sociology professor at Zayed University, Abu Dhabi who previously taught at the National University of Singapore.