TOGETHER WE STAND: SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK

Sep 16, 2022
5 min read

In this contemporary world, people prefer to avoid discussing sensitive subjects like suicide or self-harm but it is prevalent and the need of the hour to start believing and speaking up about such topics.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is attempted somewhere in the world every 40 seconds. Because of this, approximately 800,000 people lose their lives every year. It is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 29, there are as many as 40 unsuccessful attempts for every successful attempt that results in demise.

Young adulthood is a phase when many people go through major life transformations, like leaving home and starting college or a profession, assuming more independence and responsibility. The COVID-19 epidemic has increased that stress. Nevertheless, there have been startling evidence of resilience—the ability to recover from a challenging situation or arduous task.

Mental Health is as important as physical health. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and September 5 – 11 is observed as National Suicide Prevention Week which is held in order to provide an opportunity for individuals to engage in more in-depth discussions about mental health, suicide warning lights, and resources. That is why every September, we observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week. This week's theme is Resilience, a crucial trait to cultivate if you want to lower the chances of suicide. It enables you to confront challenging problems, deal with them rationally and overcome them.

"The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die."

- Juliette Lewis

Suicide is the leading cause of death

Suicide is the deliberate self-infliction of harm to death. When someone harms themselves to terminate life but does not pass away due to their acts, it is considered a suicide attempt. Numerous factors both enhance and reduce the likelihood of suicide. There is a connection between suicide and other types of harm and violence. Suicidal thoughts and behaviours can be prevented by having convenient access to health care, connections to family, and community support.

Suicide has a far-reaching impact

Major psychological, physiological, and economic consequences are a result of suicide and suicide attempts. Suicide attempt victims may sustain injuries that could have a long-term detrimental effect on their health. Likewise, they could battle mental health issues and other struggles. Friends, family, coworkers, and the community are all affected by this act. When someone commits suicide, their loved ones may feel shocked, angry, guilty, melancholy or anxious, or even suicidal thoughts.

"If the meaning of your life is lost, search for ways to find them."

Some misconceptions about suicide

Several times a person’s cry for help is assumed to be attention-seeking behaviour, in any situation suicide attempts must be treated with a lot of empathy and seriousness

Do not dismiss mental health crises as simply being an attention-gaining device. The attention they get may well save their lives. Several people are afraid to reach out for help from their loved ones because of the fear that they won’t be taken seriously or would be seen as pitiful people, they also fear the stigma attached to seeking help for mental health.

Myth: Individuals who discuss suicide won't attempt it.

Fact: Most of those who attempt suicide leave some hint or warning. Don't dismiss any mention of suicide or death, even if it's implied. No matter how casually expressed, statements like "You'll be sad when I'm gone" or "I can't see any way out" may signal suicidal tendencies.

Myth: People who attempt suicide must be insane.

Fact: Most people considering suicide are not necessarily psychotic. Although they feel sadness, grief, depression, hopelessness, or other such emotions, they may not necessarily have a mental illness.

Myth: Nothing can stop someone determined to end their life.

Fact: Even sad individuals experience conflicting feelings regarding death; they vary between wanting to live and wanting to die. The urge to end their life does not linger forever; instead, all they want is for the anguish to disappear.

Myth: Those who commit suicide are not willing to ask for help.

Fact: Before attempting suicide, many people try to find assistance. Thus according to surveys, more than 50% of suicide victims had gotten medical attention in the six months preceding their deaths.

Suicide can be prevented

Everyone can play a part in preventing suicide, saving people's lives, and building strong, healthy, and cohesive communities. A thorough public health strategy is necessary for suicide prevention. States and districts can utilize the technical package to guide decision-making about suicide prevention initiatives. Plans might be focused on the entire population, regardless of risk, or they can be made to support persons who are at higher risk.

Speak up if you are worried: If someone you care about exhibits warning signs, you might be unsure whether it's wise to intervene. What if you are mistaken? Being uneasy or anxious in such circumstances is normal. But the sooner assistance is received, the better for anyone who expresses suicidal thoughts or exhibits other warning signs.

Respond quickly in a crisis: If a friend or family member confides in you that they are contemplating suicide or death, it's critical to assess the immediate risk level. The highest risk group for suicide has a clear suicide plan, the means to carry it out, a time frame set for accomplishing it, and the intention to do it.

Offer help and support: The most excellent method on a personal level to assist a friend or family member contemplating suicide is to provide them with your sympathetic ear. Let your loved ones know that you care and that they are not alone. But don't assume that your loved one will recover on your own. Although you can provide support, you cannot cure a suicidal individual. They must personally work towards getting better. Helping a suicidal person requires a lot of bravery. Seeing a loved one struggle with suicidal thoughts might trigger many challenging emotions.

Protective factors are characteristics that make it less likely that individuals will consider, or attempt any self-harm. Several aspects include effective mental health care; easy access to a variety of clinical interventions; strong connections to individuals, family, community and social institutions. Intervention from family and friends can produce positive results on the person’s path to recovery, after the initial intervention, follow-up interventions must be consistent at regular intervals.

Adapting a positive lifestyle aids our mental health. We can incorporate easy breathing exercises, meditation and yoga into our routine, it not only strengthens our lungs, and reduces high blood pressure but also improves sleep quality, increases mindfulness and decreases stress. It is essential to sleep and rest ourselves as there's a close relationship between sleep and mental health, one positively influencing the other. Positive social connections are at the core of mental and physical well-being and this includes the relationship you have with yourself. Keep in mind how important it is to surround yourself with people that radiate positivity, and be kind and positive to yourself as well. Your body and mind will be grateful for the nurture and love, and you will be reminded how meaningful relationships make life that much more fulfilling. Another common myth about suicide is once a person intends on it, there is no stopping them. But in reality, it can be prevented. People can be helped. Suicidal crises can be relatively short-lived. Immediate practical help such as staying with the person, encouraging them to talk and helping them build plans for the future, can avert the intents. Such immediate help is valuable in a time of crisis, but appropriate counselling will then be required. We as a society need to be as informed and sensitive about this topic as possible, the more we are aware the more the chances of saving the lives of people in crises.