World Suicide Prevention Day - Disturbing Facts, Worrying Concerns


World Suicide Prevention Day - Disturbing Facts, Worrying Concerns

Florine Roche
Daijiworld Media Network

 

Sep 10: September 10, 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the World Suicide Prevention Day. With suicides and suicidal behavior becoming major health issue across the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) observes this day as World Suicide Prevention Day to create awareness among the people. The main aim of this initiative is to make our policy makers and the general public understands that suicide preventable and that suicide is not a permanent solution to a temporary problem, as many believe it to be.
 
World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about a million people in the world commit suicide every year, 200,000 of which are in China. With 187,000 suicides in 2010 India is at the second spot. Recently there was another equally disturbing and shocking report published in the British Medical Journal the Lancet just two months back, which said that India has the highest suicide rate among youth in the world and suicide has become the second leading cause of death among youngsters in India. An equally disturbing revelation of this study is that young adults in the age group of 15 to 30 are the most vulnerable to suicide. Poisoning, hanging and self-immolation were the commonly used methods for committing suicide in India.
 
According to this study the four southern states of Andra Pradesh Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka together account for nearly 40% of the total number of suicides reported in the country. Kerala which is India’s most literate states has one of the highest suicide rates in the country.
 

Youngsters on Suicidal Path
 
Another recent study attributes that depression, alcohol abuse, violence and education, social and cultural pressures and lack of emotional intelligence are pushing youngsters to the threshold of finding a lasting solution to a temporary problem in the form of suicide. It also means that the mental health of young India is hanging precariously and needs all out efforts from all concerned to handle it with utmost care and sensitivity so that young and precious lives are saved.
 
Suicide rate among students has also seen an alarming rise in India in the recent past as they are unable to handle the pressure and burden of expectations from parents and relatives to excel in academics. Family and peer pressure is driving students to take the extreme step of committing suicide and this is the one area which needs to be handled guardedly.

This is evident from the fact that soon after the announcements of results of various public and competitive exams there is a spurt in suicides by students. With society equating success only with academic excellence students who are unable to cope or match the expectations of the family and friends succumb to the belief that suicide will ensure an end to all their pressing problems. They fail to see that those bad times will pass and in a moment of weakness and frustration they decide to put an end to all their sadness and miseries. They fail to see that their momentary madness affects people around them, their families and near and dear ones, a blow which may prove even more fatal in some cases to their families. This is because the psychological and social impact of suicide on the family and the community is huge. It is a pity that students fail to realize committing suicide is not the only solution for failure in exams.
 

Emotional Instability
 
More than 65% of India’s population is below the age of 35 and increasing suicide in this productive age group is something which our country can ill afford considering that we project human resource as our strength. Sadly even our educational institutions concentrate only on improving the intellectual skills of students. These students are unable to handle their emotions and feelings and they are ill equipped to face challenges of life. It is their impulsive emotions which overwhelm them and the root cause of this is lack of Emotional Intelligence which refers to the ability of an individual to perceive, control and evaluate emotions.
 
In India today the number of working couples is on the increase and nuclear families have become common and therefore today’s youngsters lack the family support other than that of their parents, which a joint family used to provide earlier. Without a suitable outlet to vent their emotions or manage them effectively these youngsters find suicide as a desperate way out of escaping from their problems.
 
Needless to say parents are in a better position to deal with the rocky teenage years of their children and bring them up as emotionally healthy adults. Even teachers are in an unenviable position to nurture these students as emotionally healthy adults because students spend most part of their active time in schools and colleges. If we are able to inculcate confidence, self control, positive attitude and the power of resilience in our youngsters, which forms the essence of emotional intelligence, half the battle is won. Our youngsters should be able to face challenges bravely rather than succumbing to the pulls and pressures of dealing with multitude of issues they encounter in their ponderous efforts to become successful in life.
 
A large number of Indian women commit suicide due to domestic violence and there are farmers who commit suicide as they are unable to take care of their families or repay their debts. All this boils down to one thing – that there something basically wrong somewhere and has to be dealt with the seriousness it deserves.
 
Suicide is a multifaceted problem and complex issue and it needs to be tackled with a multipronged and multidimensional al approach. We cannot allow our precious human resource to become a huge social, economic and emotional burden on our society.
 
The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day this year is "Suicide Prevention across the Globe: Strengthening Protective Factors and Instilling Hope". We in India need to instill this hope in our society rather than allow our people to take recourse in suicides.

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Julie D'Souza, Mangalore/Dubai

    Tue, Sep 11 2012

    You are right Dr. Lavina Noronha, I fully agree with your thoughts/views.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr. Lavina Noronha, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 11 2012

    Great article, Florine. Yes, when it comes to suicide, prevention goes a long way. In India, successful suicides are getting younger and younger. We could begin by sensitizing young ones to identify warning signs in their friends and classmates. Usually, they confide in their peers not counselors, teachers, parents.

    Loss of any kind- material or non-material, death, family problems, academic pressure, depression, aggression, addictions may increase suicide risks in teenagers.

    It is important to understand the pain and the anguish of those who attempt suicide. Attempting suicide is by no means a hobby or pass time. They need help.

    Seeking attention is not the only cause of suicide like many assume.

    All suicides are not impulsive acts. Most are well planned acts and hence preventable.

    Not everyone who attempts suicide is mentally ill.

    There is a lot of stigma attached to suicide as it is. Please do not make it worse. Shame or guilt may deter someone from seeking timely help.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • paul d`souza, balakunje

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    No need to commit suicide now a days. politics/politicians are killing its citizens each seconds...!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • ad, mangloor

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Todays world is a tragic world with so many demands in life from education to money making and the driving force of ego centered living. Unless humans do not change this horrible phenomenon-suicide will never end.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Suman, bengaluru

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Mr.Rakesh, I liked your comment.I clicked agree to you.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajith, mangalore

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Fully agree with Rakesh shetty.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr Thinker, Mlore/London

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Dr kamath is speaking some sense equivalent to his education.
    thank you

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • dorothy d'souza, DUBAI

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    pls keep yr mind busy always dont give chance to the devil when the bad things comes to yr mind just pray to god & divert yr mind suicide is the worst thing.All human being have problems if he or she is rich or poor.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Faisal, Mangaluru

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    I think spiritual education is missing, this is the main reason. We spent day and night, working so hard to earn money and at the end of the day, we feel, why we are here? what are we doing here? Is this the only purpose we are created? See around, the sun, moon, orbits, stars everything has purpose for which they are created. Human beings also have purpose, they are mainly created to worship ONE GOD, Who is powerful, who created all human beings and all that exists, who sees us all the time, who hears all things. We need to worship Him Alone and do not worship or associate partners to Him. We have to worship the true Creator and not His creations.

    We have been given this life by our Creator as a test for hereafter. Verily the ppl who are rightoeous will be rewarded with Paradise and who are rebellious and who creates mishchief in the earth shall be punished. The only way forward for a beautiful life is to return to our religious scriptures and lead a simple and righteous life, a life that finds pleasure in giving charity to others, concern for fellow human beings, which in turn softens our heart.

    "And We divided them throughout the earth into nations. Of them some were righteous, and of them some were otherwise. And We tested them with good [times] and bad that perhaps they would return [to obedience]." -Quran 7:168

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Akshatha, Dubai

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Dr S Kamath, Mumbai
    You are right most of the indians think that going to Psychiatrist means madness...guys everyone faces depression in thier like some will recover by themselves but for some medication will be required...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr S Kamath, Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Following Indian culture alone cannot decrease the suicide rates .A proper integration of both western-Scientific knowledge and Indian culture can mitigate this problem.A precursor to suicide is mental depression and at that time people should take these depressed patients to the Psychiatrists and give treatment followed by good Psychotherapy by Psychologists .Going to Psychiatrist means madness that sentiment should go .People around those depressed should see that no mental trauma should be caused to them

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Akshatha, Dubai

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    There is also a number to call whenever people feel like commiting suicide.it is like call centre for people who are depressed in life in india itself..i dont know the number search in internet guys...when we call that number they will motivate us and will give advices..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • John Tauro , Mangalore / Kuwait

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Whenever we see our neighbours, especially our rivals or competitiors, struggle or suffer in life, some well to do people normally scorn at them, forgetting they too may face the same situation sometime in their own lives. On the contrary instead of lending a helping hand to those in difficulty, they even try to take undue advantage of such people. Shy to seek assistance and unable to cope with or bear further difficulties, they unfortunately resort to the extreme horrible step. Therefore, as responsible members of the society, people ought to develop the tendency of helping those who are in difficulty or suffer around us, thus instilling in them the confidence to live and face the problems of life with courage.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakesh shetty, mangalore

    Mon, Sep 10 2012


    SOME TIPS TO AVOID SUICIDE CASES:

    PARENTS MUST SPEND MORE TIMES WITH THEIR CHILDRENS. THEY MUST ASK ABOUT THEIR CHILDRENS MONTHLY ONCE IN SCHOOLS,COLLEGES.

    RESPECT EVERYONE. READ GOOD BOOKS.

    BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ASK PARENTS,TEACHERS,FRIENDS FOR ANY CONCERNS.

    APPLY INDIAN CULTURE IN DAY TO DAY LIFE.

    STRICTLY FOLLOW AS PER YOUR RELIGIONS.

    CHANGE YOUR MIND AS PER ENVIRONMENT. DON'T CROSS THE LIMIT.

    IF NECESSARY ONLY USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS,INTERNET,MOBILE PHONES. THESE SHOULD NOT BECOME OUR PART OF LIFE. OTHERWISE THIS WILL SPOIL OUR CAREER.

    DO REGULAR YOGA,MEDITATION EARLY MORNING. THIS WILL HELPS TO STAY FIT FOREVER.

    SAY BYE BYE TO WESTERN CULTURE, STAY AWAY WITH DRUGS,SMOKE,ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES, ATTENDING RAVE PARTY ETC.

    DisAgree [39] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Venkatraman Shankarnarayan Iyengar, Koila Cattle Farm(k.c. Farm)/Tanjavur

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can't see any way of finding relief except through death. But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to committing suicide, but they just can't see one.
    Because of their ambivalence about dying, suicidal individuals usually give warning signs or signals of their intentions. The best way to prevent suicide is to know and watch for these warning signs and to get involved if you spot them. If you believe that a friend or family member is suicidal, you can play a role in suicide prevention by pointing out the alternatives, showing that you care, and getting a doctor or psychologist involved.

    If you or someone you care about is suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). These toll-free crisis hotlines offer 24-hour suicide prevention and support. Your call is free and confidential.

    Suicide Chart In U.P.-5%, Kerala/M.P./A.P.-9%, T.N -10%, Karnataka-11%, Mahrashtra-12%, West Bengal-13%, Others : 22%..

    Without consent of 'God' nobody can able to do suicide...!! Life and Death is in the hands of God..!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar., M

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Emotional InStability..Hmmm
    To stabilise many take to Spirits
    Alas this opens the path to 'Pits
    Unable then to decide...
    They fall by the Wayside..
    In turn paves way for'Suicide...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tripti, Brahmavar/Dubai

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    The reasons for suicide are: 1. Loss of self confidence 2. Stress leading to depression.3. Unreasonable targets & priorities in life.4. More stress is given on IQ but not on EQ. Remedies that can be put in place to control the suicide rates are:1.Free counseling centres.2.Medical & Psychiatric help. 3. Yoga & Spiritual practices. In today's materialistic world success or failure of a person is seen by his wealth & assets. This is the root cause of corruption that we see in India today and also for the steady rise in suicide rates. Parents expect their children to succeed in life. They go to any extent to achieve this. The children are pressurized to go into academics of not their choice but their parents choice. As a result youngsters are disillusioned & distraught when they encounter failures in life.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    There is no way in the world to avoid this unfortunate suicide. I never saw any suicide helpline numbers in India. Suicide awareness campaigns and seminars should be held. Print and electronic media should take part in this social cause of saving lives.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prasheesh Kumar. S., Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    What about those cases which are actually murders committed by influential people but police close the file stating it as suicide or accident? Out of every 10 suicide cases in India atleast 3 are murders but closed as suicide.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • AMAR NATHAL, MANGALORE

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    This is a bi-product of technical and modern one-sided education. We are materially advanced but spiritually bankrupt. Jeevan,Mangalore, even your life is shaped by so called Western education. Or else we would be still studying under the trees and probably studying only Vedas!

    DisAgree [7] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • jeevan, mangalore

    Mon, Sep 10 2012

    Indian culture and values are missing in our life and western culture is entering in our home and due to this all halla golla in life..

    DisAgree [26] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse


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