Japan's Suicide Forest

There is a forest at the base Mt. Fugi, that has come to be known as Japan's suicide forest. It's is Japan's most popular place to commit suicide with 50-100 deaths here each year. Follow VBSNews on this video journey into Aokigahara Forest.

Suicide

“And now, in keeping with Channel 40's policy of always bringing you the latest in blood and guts, in living color, you're about to see another first - an attempted suicide.

These are the last words of Chris Hubbock, a news anchor who shot herself on air in 1970. Suicide is presented and discussed in chapter 12. Suicide is a troubling concept in Western culture. I’m writing on this subject because I found this chapter to be the most informative for me. Before reading this chapter, I basically thought that suicide was suicide. I never imagined that it could be such a multi-faceted issue. There are just so many aspects to this: Elderly suicide, adolescence suicide, ritual suicide, suicide due to mental illness, child suicide, altruistic suicide, and depressive suicide. I think fully understanding this issue will help me tremendously in my career as a counselor.

Two basic classifications of suicide stand out in my mind: suicide as a means of escaping the current conditions of life and sacrificial or martyrdom type suicides. In American culture we are familiar first the first type, as a means to escape life or suffering. Suicide is often looked down upon in our society, especially in certain religions. Most Fundamental Christians believe that those who commit suicide damn themselves to eternal hell because of the act. Others believe it to be an act of cowardice or weakness. The loved ones that are left typically assign blame to themselves, thinking that they were responsible somehow. This sharply contrasts with Eastern Philosophy.

The tragedy of September 11^th has made Americans all to aware of another type of suicide: Suicide Bombers. In some parts of the world this is everyday life. Young men who give their lives in such a manner are revered in Middle Eastern culture. They are labeled as “martyred” and go on to become heroes and legends. This is a disturbing trend considering the increasingly frequent bombings in Israel and Spain. Some Middle Eastern governments have begun paying the families of the suicide bombers for their service to Allah and country. It is estimated that there are many thousands of young men waiting for the chance to take part in such a mission. Through this act suicide crosses a boundary and turns into murder as well. Taking other’s lives while taking your own is quite different from the more honor bound tradition in the Far East. Ancient Samurais would commit seppuku or hara-kiri upon the death of their Lords or when facing disgrace. The custom was widely seen as noble or honorable. Committing ritual suicide could even help your family’s social standing.

An excellent way to understand the motives behind suicide is by examining suicide notes. I typed “suicide notes” into my search engine and came up with several pages of famous notes. You can clearly tell if a person was depressed or angry. Some of the letters weren’t emotional at all like the note left by the late George Eastman, “To my friends: My work is done. Why wait?” This note conveys a lighthearted approach to death. Virginia Wolf’s last words sharply contrast; “I feel certain that I'm going mad again. I feel we can't go thru another of those terrible times. And I shan't recover this time. I begin to hear voices…” I guess there as many reasons for suicide as there are people. However, in the end they all face the same fate which we do not know.

7 Signs Someone May Be Suicidal

If you have a loved one or friend that you think may be suicidal it is imperative to recognize the warning signs of suicide. While each person is an individual and will exhibit signs of depression and suicidal thought in their own way, there are several warnings signs that you can watch for that may indicate they are in crisis. If you believe someone is contemplating suicide please get help immediately. There are a number of suicide prevention web sites and hotlines available to help those in need, which can be accessed at the bottom of this article.

1. Talking about suicide or death.- Do not take statements about wanting to die or "ending it all" lightly. Seek help immediately. Even if they are not seriously considering suicide, statements like these indicate that a person is in need of help and is reaching out.

2. Withdrawing from friends and family. - Loss of interest in friends and family can be a sign of depression or suicidal thought. A person contemplating suicide may withdraw to spend more and more time alone. They may become despondent or angry when loved ones try to intervene.

3. Sudden behavioral changes. - A sudden and marked change in behavior may indicate that a person is suffering from depression, mental illness or suicidal thought. This can include a change in attitude, thinking, appearance or interpersonal relationships. In some cases the changes can be gradual as well.

4. Wanting to "tie up loose ends" or give away belongings. - This can include calling old friends and relatives to say goodbye. Giving away personal belongings or pets to others or wanting to secure care for children is a serious warning sign that a person may be considering suicide very soon.

5. Reckless behavior. - Engaging in behavior such as heavy alcohol and drug use, driving recklessly, starting fights or taking excessive risks.

6. Withdrawing from regular activities. - Suddenly quitting or loosing interest in regular and extracurricular activities such as school, work, sports teams, clubs, church, volunteer duties, or hobbies.

7. Sudden change in sleeping patterns or eating habits. - Watch for sudden weight fluctuations or a marked increase or decrease in the amount of sleep a person is getting.

If you or someone you love is thinking of committing suicide please seek immediate professional help. There are many caring professionals and trained peers that are available to listen and talk about feelings of loneliness, depression or suicide.