Symposium at the College of Education for Human Sciences Highlights Suicide Symptoms and Factors of Variation
The Department of Geography at the College of Education for Human Sciences, University of Samarra, organized a scientific symposium titled: “The Phenomenon of Suicide: Symptoms and Factors Influencing its Variation,” presented by Prof. Dr. Hussein Alwan Ibrahim and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hassan Ali Musleh.
The aim of the symposium was to clarify the concept of suicide as a humanitarian and social issue with multiple dimensions, in addition to focusing on the geographical approach in its study. It also aimed to analyze the spatial variation of suicide rates between urban and rural environments and their differences across regions according to economic, social, and cultural conditions.
Dr.Hussein emphasized that geography does not study phenomena as abstract numbers; rather, it examines their relationship with place, environment, and human beings, including the phenomenon of suicide.
He noted that geographical factors—such as the level of urbanization, population density, poverty, unemployment, migration, and environmental pressures—contribute to explaining the variation of the phenomenon from one region to another.
In the same context, the lecturer pointed out the early warning symptoms associated with psychological crises, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of community awareness in monitoring behavioral indicators without delving into details that might lead to the normalization of the phenomenon.
For his part, Dr.Hassan focused on the role of educational institutions in preventing the phenomenon by enhancing psychological support, building a safe university environment, and linking geographical studies to current social issues.
This contributes to understanding social and human phenomena within responsible scientific and humanitarian frameworks.
The symposium concluded with several recommendations, most notably:
* Strengthening socio-geographical studies related to mental health.
* Spreading a culture of dialogue and support within the university environment.
* Cooperating with psychological counseling units.
* Utilizing spatial analysis to diagnose community problems and develop preventive solutions.
It is noteworthy that this symposium was held to consolidate the role of the university and its faculty in enhancing community awareness, and in implementation of ministerial directives regarding the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention in Iraq.
