Most Suicidal People Send Warning Signs Before Taking Their Lives, Survey Says

A survey revealed that most suicidal people tend to send warning signs to people close to them before committing suicide. However, instances show that most of their loved ones fail to discern these signs, The Chosun Ilbo reported Wednesday.

The Ministry of Welfare involved in the survey 151 relatives of 121 people who died of suicide between 2012 to 2015.

One of the authors of the study said that society could do something to prevent suicide cases. Psychologists also suggest that detecting suicidal signs could stop people from taking their own lives.

"The sad reality facing Korea is the highest rate of suicide in the OECD, and it is up to society to take responsibility and prevent suicides," Kim Hyun Soo said.

The study revealed that most suicidal people would say things like, "Take good care of yourself when I'm gone" or "What do you think heaven is like?" 

"There is a higher rate of impulsive suicides in Korea, and many people who plan to take their own lives could be saved if they overcome the worst phase through the help from people close to them," said Yoon Dae Hyun of Seoul National University Hospital.

Meanwhile, South Korea has the highest suicide rate among the members of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Korea Herald reported Aug. 30, 2015.

According to statistics, an average of 29.1 South Koreans per 100,000 took their own lives in 2012. Reports revealed that South Korea has the highest suicide rate among OECD countries.

In 2009, South Korea has an average suicide rate of 33.8 per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, Statistics Korea revealed the number one cause of death among South Koreans aged 10-39 is suicide.

Further reports revealed that suicide was also evident among South Korean students who reportedly suffer stress from school.

In line with this, psychologists suggest suicidal people should overcome their weaknesses and talk to their family and friends about what they are going through. According to reports, most suicidal people refuse to seek professional help amid depression or other psychological problems.