Final destinations

One of the unspoken tragedies affecting overseas travelers is suicides.

It has long been recognized that suicides are frequently not investigated further. These may be classified as accidents to save surviving family member's embarrassment.

There are different causes for someone wanting to commit suicide ranging from a mental illness. Problems may be classified as depression, psychosis and addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling) chronic substance abuse but all which affect peoples ability to think clearly about themselves.

These issues may be pre-existent before people decide to travel or be precipitated by deterioration abroad

They are aggravated by culture shock in over seas workers, addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling) and a lack of support from friends, family or coworkers who would otherwise help that person.

It is important to realize that suicides may be the culmination of such longstanding problems and do not occur overnight.

Because of this it should be possible to address the causes of depression properly and prevent these before they develop too far.

Signs of a major depression include a lack of regular pleasure or happiness with activities, disturbed sleep and appetite.

These of course vary between individuals. Anyone with such difficulties should see a mental health worker. Or review with their doctors. to rule out any medical conditions that could cause a depression.

Once a diagnosis is made proper treatment, support, and follow through can be done.

In Winnipeg there are many avenues of support for like Klinic or Healthlinks who can help people access available services.

One surprising pattern we see at our clinic is very young adults going overseas with no fixed plans.

Although traveling overseas is a great thing but not if they are running away from something. back home.

People who do have a known mental illness should be assessed for their safety.

It is wrong to ignore a problem hoping it will go away because it will only be hidden.

For overseas travelers finding help can be difficult. The International Association for Medical Assistance for Travelers ( www.iamat.org ) is a free directory of worldwide doctors that will see people at fixed rates so that travelers can always have someplace to go to.

Attitudes to mental illness and suicide contribute to a "conspiracy of silence" that comes with suicide. Public education campaigns show that many mental illnesses can be prevented and, if not, treated well enough that persons recover and go on with their lives. Suicide is the tip of a very unhappy iceberg that needs to be wholly realized before being chipped away.
People need to be aware of the prevalence of suicide, and know how to respond when someone they know is struggling with suicidal thoughts and intentions.

There has always been an unspoken understanding that travelers have to look after each other and this is sometimes forgotten with the increase travel volume we know see All travelers as well as hospitality service workers to be aware of signs and symptoms, and to take responsibility for looking out for the well being of others they encounter. This may begin at home but can extend abroad as well.

Special thanks to Robin Dirks and Jenny Anderson of the University of Manitoba, Centre for Students