Dear editor,
I'm writing in response to a March 11 article, ``Why Do Suicides Peak in March?''
South Korea's suicide rate is the highest among the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Many Korean people from juveniles to the elderly commit suicide because of depression, stress and economic insecurity. News about suicides is no longer surprising.
This is one of the biggest problems in Korean society. People need to pay much more attention to it especially for the bereaved. The Korean government should do more to solve this problem.
One of my acquaintances took his own life. He was a good student. However, he could not overcome lots of stress concerning college entrance tests. I attended the funeral to console his family.
They cried out loud and his mom fainted. His parents kept saying to themselves, ``It's my fault. It's my fault." and regretted not doing anything to stop him from killing himself. They still feel guilty about it even 20 years after they lost their beloved son.
One of my friends, on the other hand, escaped suicide. About a year ago, she went through severe depression and told her friend that she wanted to kill herself.
So, her friend talked her into going to see a doctor on a regular basis and taking medicine for several months. The other day, she told me that she felt better and happy.
Although the government has done its best to solve this issue, it should take more active action for the bereaved. First, it can use various media for public service announcements.
I used to watch the American Forces Network (AFN) broadcast public-service announcements about suicide prevention. It will be helpful to people who want to commit suicide and their families.
Second, the government should add prevention education as one of complimentary courses in schools. Students need to learn how important the dignity of life is, how to love themselves and how precious they are. Third, more TV channels should provide counseling. Although people want to get some advice, they don't know where they can do so.
The government needs to take bolder action to solve this issue before it causes more irreparable harm to families who will feel guilty for the rest of their lives.
Oh Eun-kyung
Seoul