Suicide is the 2nd highest cause of death among people aged 10 – 34 The hospitality industry sadly, is affected by this upsetting statistic as it attracts a wide range of individuals and businesses from different parts of the world while offering both services and products to its customers.
Of course, hotels also host plenty of guests going through personal upheaval as well as happy ones. Hence it also serves as a haven for unnoticed suicide missions.
Hotels and motel rooms of all sizes have a suicide problem, from modest to luxurious ones are among ”lethal locations”. ‘Lethal locations’ include any place within the hotel such as a hotel room where there is no one around- like a loved one to intervene or stop a suicide.
Resorts and high bustling environments for relaxation do not discourage the deadly sense of despair hidden behind a single locked door.
One begins to wonder why hotels attract such or why some hotels attract more than their fair share. The aftermath of suicide in hotels is a mixture of reactions ranging from traumatised guests and staff to unusually bizarre attractions on social media (you will be surprised to find people who find suicide an attractive subject).
Part of the issues i.e dealing with police, rebating guests who were witnesses and calling for medical attention for anyone affected by the fallen body (in the case of jumping). Cleaning of blood, bones and associated biohazards and inevitable lawsuits which follow is worrisome.
The hospitality industry has to look for ways to avoid suicides and handle them while taking into account that the business has to maintain a welcoming and open environment.
So while it might seem obvious and suicide-preventative to lock exits to high ledges or seal doors to some hallways, it may not be allowable under particular fire and safety codes. The question is why do people choose hotels and other hospitality outlets for this act?
REASONS WHY HOTEL IS A LETHAL LOCATION FOR SUICIDE
The hotel provides the privacy needed for such activities as there are fewer chances someone will stop the individual.
According to research, it is said that people kill themselves because they are worried nobody will find their bodies.
Some people choose hotels because they do not want their loved ones broken by finding their bodies (they still get broken knowing they committed suicide).
What then can a hotel do to prevent the tragedy of suicide? Below are tips on how to prevent suicide in hotels.
HOW TO PREVENT SUICIDE IN HOTELS
Make sure windows are only open four inches, wide enough to allow a breath of fresh air but not wide enough for someone to jump out.
Blocking access to rooftops, machinery rooms and storage areas of chemicals or sharp objects.
Hotels should create mechanisms for staff to recognise signs of distress or problems and report them to security, manager or necessary authorities.
The hospitality industry is doing everything possible to prevent or stop suicides, but it must be noted that the industry is in the business of service and people. Hence, it is an uphill task to identify these signs of distress in individuals while optimising the delivery of good service as required in the industry.
Let us create more awareness about mental health and show love to the people around us. Many individuals are going through a mental breakdown, and there is not much awareness in society about mental health.
Also, let us get more educated about mental health, and get empowered with the knowledge on how to support and help people going through a mental breakdown.
Increasing non-judgemental support for mental health issues will benefit suiciders, and their loved ones, staff and the public in this ongoing battle that affects an unacceptably high percentage of humanity.
