Robin Williams, Philip Seymour Hoffman, L’Wren Scott and closer home, Jiah Khan, Anuradha Bali alias Fiza, Sunanda Pushkar Tharoor …..just a few of the ‘big’ names we’ve heard about in recent times who’ve succumbed to the monster of suicide. But what of the unknown thousands, in India alone who commit suicide.
“Young educated Indians from the richer states are killing themselves in numbers that are almost the highest in the world,”
The reports says that most Indians do not have access to community or support services for the prevention of suicide and have restricted access to care for mental illnesses associated with suicide.
The Lancet Report – Suicide Mortality In India – via BBC
Suicide Prevention Stay Connected
Today, September 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day. The theme of this year is: One World Connected.
Have you ever felt totally disconnected and really all alone? I know there have been a few times that I have felt so. Loneliness and a feeling of being disconnected contribute to suicidal feelings in a big way.
In an interview with Newsweek, Thomas Joiner, the author of the first comprehensive theory of suicide, the need to belong expresses itself until the end. He cited an example of a man who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, leaving a note “I’m walking to the bridge,” begins a Golden Gate Bridge suicide note he cites. “If one person smiles at me on the way, I will not jump.” Sadly, no one smiled!
Some reasons people feel lonely or isolated
Losing a loved one or friend through death or relocation
Lack of close family ties
Living alone
Difficulties in meeting new people due to access issues, an introverted personalities, or feeling like you don’t belong
Feelings of loss or grief
Poor physical health, frailty, mobility issues
A mental health condition such as depression or anxiety
Fear of rejection from others or feelings of being “different” or stigmatised by society
Inability to participate in activities due to access issues, mobility, illness, transport
Retirement from work, home relocation, starting out in a new role or community
Lack of purpose or meaning in life
Language or cultural barriers, or reduced connection with your culture of origin
Geographic isolation
Feeling lost in the crowd
– via Lifeline
So how can you help?
By being aware. Get your suicide facts right. Here are some facts:
Common Misconceptions about Suicide
FALSE: People who talk about suicide won’t really do it.
Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like “you’ll be sorry when I’m dead,” “I can’t see any way out,” — no matter how casually or jokingly said may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
FALSE: Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy.
Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They must be upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.
FALSE: If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them.
Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever.
FALSE: People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help.
Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help in the six months prior to their deaths.
FALSE: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.
You don’t give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true — bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Source: SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
Being able to recognize the signs that someone you know is hurting. Watch this video about the warning signs of suicide.
Being prepared to reach out to them and to ask for help on their behalf. Watch the following video on how you can help someone who is suicidal.
Remember, suicide is 100 percent preventable. Stay aware. Stay connected.
Today Write Tribe and the MSW@USC invite you to participate in the 100 Voices for Suicide Prevention campaign. You can find information and links to resources on our post here.
Write your post about #suicideprevention and link here. Let’s blog to make a difference!
“If one person smiles at me on the way, I will not jump.” Sadly, no one smiled!
Oh My God!! How tragic is that!! This note has shaken me. If only…
I think, Connect is very important. We must reach out and instill that hope in all those who are silently asking for our help!
I found that a terrible reflection on our society, Shilpa. We must do all we can to connect more meaningfully! Thank you for your post too.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Doing The Gratitude Dance!
The list of misconceptions is truly eye-opening.
I think that it’s important for a person with suicidal thoughts to be given professional help. If (s)he is reluctant to visit a professional due to the stigma associated with mental illness, the family must seek a professional’s guidance to help them handle the situation.
Proactive Indian recently posted..Inspiring response by woman molested on Delhi Metro!
Depression runs in my family and is something I’ve been very cognizant of all my life. I tend to run “on guard” when it comes to those around me, cautious of the feelings of those around me. I wish there were a way we could help make those who struggle find a positive light around them and see that things will be okay..
bodynsoil recently posted..Brazil’s 10 Simple Dietary Guidelines
That shook me as well. He must have been acute depression and loneliness… Thankyou for your pointers on how we can help such people. Recently I too have heard a news about a fellow Indian’s suicide here, she was social a common group of friends and the reason behind her act is still unknown!