As you immerse yourself in reading, a curious question quietly emerges: “What kind of person is the author?” Despite the era of abundant translated foreign books, the threshold for meeting overseas authors is high. We facilitate communication between Korean readers and foreign writers.
② “The Language of Suicide” – Christian Rück, Professor and Psychiatrist at Karolinska Institute, Sweden
#case1
Seventeen-year-old Kevin, who suffered from bipolar disorder, thought, “What the hell have I done? I don’t want to die!” as soon as he jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge. Miraculously surviving, Kevin now works as a suicide prevention advocate. He calls the obsession with suicidal thoughts “the biggest liar of one’s life.”
#case2
Gudal, 104, was not terminally ill but felt he had lived long enough and applied for assisted death. At a press conference the day before he died, he wore a shirt with the phrase “growing old disgracefully.” Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Gudal closed his eyes as the “Ode to Joy” played.
“Suicide: The act of taking one’s own life”
When asked about suicide, ChatGPT advises, “Always seek help from those around you.” It’s been almost 20 years since searches for the word on a portal show a life-respect campaign at the top. Despite familiarity, suicide remains a heavy and challenging topic. It’s hard to predict due to its secretive preparation, and even reconstructing the event posthumously often fails to provide clear reasons.
Christian Rück, a professor and psychiatrist at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, examines cases and debates related to suicide in “The Language of Suicide” (BookLife). The book covers various considerations of contemplating death, suicide DIY machines, animal suicides, and the latest research in suicide prevention.
In an email interview, he shared, “As a psychiatrist, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to predict which patients might attempt suicide. I wanted to understand what suicide is, and through this, explore the beauty and sorrow of life.”
● The loneliest death in the world
— “Is suicide a choice, or a mistake due to mental health issues?” How do you define suicide?
“Most who attempt suicide are known to suffer from mental health issues. But it doesn’t mean they’re incapable of choice. I think they attempt suicide not because they truly wish to die but because it’s unbearably hard. Many hesitate even when attempting suicide.”
— Can suicide be predicted?
“Research shows accurate prediction is difficult. In the UK, 85% of those who died by suicide were deemed to have low short-term suicide risk during their final contact with healthcare professionals, and 59% had low long-term risk. In healthcare, suicide risk is assessed by ‘risk factors’ and ‘protective factors.'”
— What are the ‘risk factors’ and ‘protective factors’ for suicide?
“Being male and having past suicide attempts are prominent risk factors. But such elements are merely risk indicators and don’t explain why someone committed suicide. Protective factors include young age and family bonds, but these can’t predict an individual’s suicide attempt. Ultimately, suicide impacts us all to some extent.”
— Have you ever predicted or prevented a patient’s suicide?
“Working in emergency psychiatry, I often save lives. Although I cannot prove a patient would have died by suicide without my intervention, it’s what I believe. Conversely, there have been heartbreaking experiences when I’ve failed to prevent suicide despite signs of danger. Such events reinforce the tremendous shock suicide brings to family and community.”
“● Deciding on suicide an hour before death
“I love you. Thank you all. And I’m sorry. I can’t do this anymore.”
Sixteen-year-old Johan sent this text to his parents before jumping off a cliff. Johan’s dad tried to reconstruct the event by checking his son’s debit card information. Johan bought a Red Bull five hours before ending his life. ‘Perhaps even Johan didn’t know his future when he purchased the Red Bull.’ (p35)
● The debate surrounding assisted suicide
The suicide I’ve seen is lonely, shocking, and chaotic. Parents of deceased children, people who lied to doctors and acquaintances to meet a secluded end, or unforeseen deaths that could have been avoided if circumstances had been slightly different. I cannot participate in helping others die. My path as a physician is not to help people find lethal drugs. I will stand on the side of life.”
In the book, he said, “I will always be on the side of life.” I asked for his thoughts on assisted suicide.
“In countries like Korea and Sweden, where assisted suicide is not legal, the discussion continues. As individualistic values grow, I think these conflicts will intensify. In some ways, assisted suicide might be considered the ultimate expression of personal choice.”
The translation above is a brief summary of different sections of the original text, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the topic discussed in the book and interview.