Spike in suicides points to growing despair in Lebanon

News headlines announcing suicides often include phrases such as: economic hardship, ruthless suppression of free expression, erosion of basic rights, and loss of human dignity.

Direct blame

The suicide of Zahle's Pierre Saqr, a Metn area resident, is no exception.

Despite his widespread popularity as a tour guide and nature photographer in Lebanon, Pierre's fortunes took a turn for the worse when his billboard factory was forced to shut down due to financial difficulties.

In a poignant Facebook post, he revealed his intent to end his life. Despite efforts to dissuade him, he followed through on his decision near a church in Sannine.

Saqr's suicide post stood out for its stark acknowledgment of the perpetrators, setting it apart from suicide notes commonly seen in the south of the country.

He boldly proclaimed himself a martyr and a victim of the state's collapse caused by the despicable group of black-turbaned evildoers who operate underground in the suburbs of Beirut, as well as their corrupt and thieving accomplices who have colluded with them for their own gain.

The recurring theme of collapse in the last words of suicide victims is a clear indication of Hezbollah's dominant role in the public sphere of Lebanon. This phenomenon has recently culminated in a cataclysmic spectacle of widespread devastation, leaving people exposed and vulnerable.

The root cause of suicide is often attributed to economic hardship as it can be easily defined, measured, and scrutinised —  but it's only the tip of the iceberg. Lurking beneath its surface is a multitude of hidden, dangerous factors that cannot be quantified.

Survival tied to allegiance

Protests — especially in the southern regions on Lebanon —  are met with extreme violence. Under severe intimidation, protesters are forced into humiliating apologies and coerced to tow the party line and raise pictures of their leaders against their own personal convictions.

In this hostile environment, basic survival is dependent on ideological alignment and loyalty to the establishment. In a mafia-like manner, access to employment is also closely tied to party allegiance.

Escaping these oppressive conditions is a near-impossible feat, save for abandoning the country entirely. However, this option has become increasingly difficult as the Lebanese people are now looked upon unfavourably by the outside world, and opportunities to emigrate are drying up fast.

Attempts to flee often take on desperate and life threatening forms, such as boarding what has come to be known as the "death boats" that leave Lebanese shores.

Over the past two years, around 300,000 people have permanently fled the country — not in pursuit of a better future or lucrative job offers, but rather to merely survive or seek asylum in any country that provides a minimum level of stability, even if the conditions are humiliating.

Draconian grip

Hezbollah is the omnipotent force behind all of the country's crises. This group has been expanding and gaining power since the 1980s and has now extended its control over every aspect of the nation.

Read more: Through the barrel of a gun: Lebanon's financial collapse explained

Through violence and intimidation, this group has almost singlehandedly destroyed Lebanese society — once considered to be the Paris of the Middle East.

Popular and widespread protests against the establishment in October 2019, briefly restored hope that change was possible. However, collusion between Hezbollah and other state players eventually quashed the revolution, delivering a clear message that dissent will not be tolerated.

With Hezbollah's stifling control over the country, Lebanese exist in a state of utter despair against a backdrop of economic collapse, rampant corruption and a breakdown in security.

According to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017, approximately 800,000 individuals take their own lives every year, which suggests that suicide is a social phenomenon that cannot be solely attributed to psychological factors, mental illness, or hormonal imbalances.

While some global reports have revealed that 11 suicides are carried out in Lebanon each month, the real number is believed to be much higher as many families conceal suicides due to fear of social stigma.

A social statement

French sociologist Emile Durkheim argued in his study of suicide that it is a social act or statement and cannot be explained by mental or emotional factors alone, as this denies the fundamental role of intentionality in its occurrence.

Despite being over a century old, Durkheim's study continues to be relevant in our modern times, regardless of attempts by some to blame suicides on mental health or hormonal imbalances.

Some theories point to a deficiency in the hormone serotonin, which can cause depression and suicidal thoughts. This is important as hormones are closely linked to social connections, economic stability and proper nutrition — all of which are lacking in Lebanese society.

Read more: Lebanon a nation in decay

It could be that the deficiency of serotonin is merely a consequence of the breakdown in social connections caused by the severe disintegration of Lebanese society. It cannot, however, be considered the sole reason for suicide, but rather a symptom of the wider social and economic catastrophe and its aftermath.

Happiness deficiency

Lebanon is currently ranked among the unhappiest countries in the world, proof of the despair that is deeply ingrained in the nation's collective psyche.

The body's production of serotonin, or the happy hormone, relies on the availability of the amino acid tryptophan, found in foods like cheese, nuts, and red meat. However, the majority of Lebanese people can no longer afford to regularly consume these once-common foods, as they have become luxurious and expensive items.

A failure to acknowledge this obvious and depressing social backdrop amidst the increasing instances of suicide in the country only serves to cover up the heinous crimes being committed against individuals who feel powerless and choose death as a final act to preserve their stolen dignity.

In a sense, committing suicide appears to be a desperate attempt to exercise control over one's life — in a country where people feel powerless. The absence of these people — through death — is the only change they are able to affect.