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Sri Lanka navy JournaL 77
instincts. In Freud’s view, self-destructive behavior is an expression of the energy created
by the death instincts. When this energy is directed outward onto others, it is expressed as
aggression and violence (Comer, 2015, p.95).

Emily Durkheim

Durkheim in his book Suicide (1897) explores the differing suicide rates among Protes-
tants and Catholics, arguing that stronger social control among Catholics results in lower
suicide rates. According to Durkheim, Catholic society has normal levels of integration
while Protestant society has low levels.
Overall, Durkheim treated suicide as a social fact, explaining variations in its rate on
a macro level, considering society-scale phenomena such as lack of connections between
people (group attachment) and lack of regulations of behavior, rather than individuals’
feelings and motivations (Durkheim, 1897, p. 78).
Also, he introduced the concept of anomie, a mismatch between personal or group stan-
dards and wider social standards. Durkheim wrote: “The individual yields to the slightest
shock of circumstance because the state of society has made him a ready prey to sui-
cide”(Durkheim, 1897, p. 80).

Durkheim divides suicide in to three categories.
1. Egoistic suicide.
2. Altruistic suicide.

3. Anomie suicide.
Causes of Suicide

1. Major psychiatric illness - in particular, mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar
disorder, schizophrenia).
2. Substance abuse (primarily alcohol abuse).
3. Family history of suicide.
4. Long term difficulties with relationships with friends and family.

5. Significant losses in a person’s life, such as the death of a loved one, loss of an im
portant relationship, loss of employment or self-esteem.
6. Unbearable emotional or physical pain.
7. Socio-economic factors such as unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and dis
crimination may trigger suicidal thoughts.
8. A history of childhood physical or sexual abuse or time spent in foster care is also
a risk factor.
9. Hopelessness - the feeling that there is no prospect of improvement in one’s situa
tion is a strong indicator of suicide.
10. Drug addiction.

Suicide in Sri Lankan Context
Asia accounts for 60% of all suicides. Sri Lanka used to be near the top of the league