Study of Suicide and Suicide Attempt Cases in Gahkuch, Gilgit-Baltistan
Author: Reena Ibadat

Keeping in view the high suicide trends, it is important to dig deep as to see what causes these behaviors to surface. Furthermore, epidemiological researches have also established that suicide attempt is associated with increased risk of future attempt or even ultimately committing suicide. Which, moreover, have suggested that studying the suicide attempt cases can actually be helpful towards preventing this act in the future. Despite all the high suicide rates in Gilgit-Baltistan, there is no well-established researches done on suicide attempt cases but in this qualitative research suicide attempts were also interrogated about their experiences following an attempt beside the suicide cases. This research reports on qualitative research study aimed to identify the various factors of suicide and suicide attempts in Gahkuch, Gilgit-Baltistan, also simultaneously addressing the issue of suicidal thoughts and behaviors existing in an individual. Also important objective of this research was to analyze the esponse/behavior of the people around the victim e.g. their family, neighbors and other loved ones. This research briefly explains the role of the loved ones around the suicidal person and how important role does they play in overcoming these issues. Considering the current dire situation of Gilgit-Baltistan and specifically of Gahkuch, in order to gather useful material regarding suicide and suicide attempt cases, interviews were arranged with the attempters themselves as well as with the family, friends and other loved ones of the deceased person. A total of 13 cases have been studied for this research where 7 victims were deceased and 6 cases were those of suicide attempters. Findings in accordance to the suicide and suicide attempt cases suggest that depression and anger, insecurity and sense of comparison, educational pressure, early marriage, gap between parents and the child and no educational attainment all at, have led the victims to take the self-damaging step. Moreover, the movement of suicide attempters from being weak and vulnerable to becoming in control of oneself with the sense of agency was due to the revamped relational ties with the family and their constant support. Another aspect being getting indulged in some form of work or activity and hence reinforcement of positive attributes into one’s life. Examining the interactions of the victims with the family were also a significant aspect of this research, where unrelenting support and good communication between the two proved to be of major importance. While it was identified that distant and detached relationships can further breed the horrors of suicidal predicaments, also the required recommendations are also presented here, even though acknowledging the limitations of the study. Supervisor:- Dr. Zulfiqar Ali

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Keywords : Gahkuch, Suicide, Suicide Attempt
Supervisor: Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro

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