Each year on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides and raise awareness on this topic. In 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) collaborated with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host the first ever World Suicide Prevention Day. Since then, many countries around the world have joined them in this venture.
According to the suicide data collection done by the WHO, close to 80,000 people die each year.
Every year, a different theme is decided and its aim is to focus on a specific aspect of suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day Theme 2020 is “working together to prevent suicide”. It was also the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2019. This theme aims to make suicide prevention more effective globally.
A major cause of suicide is mental illness, very commonly depression. People feeling suicidal are overwhelmed by painful emotions and see death as the only way out, losing sight of the fact that suicide is a permanent ‘solution’ to a temporary state—most people who try to kill themselves but live later say they are glad they didn’t die. Most people who die by suicide could have been helped.
The mandatory stay-at-home rules, economic uncertainties, and anxieties caused by the pandemic have fuelled the suicide rates. Everyone feels low at times and sometimes sadness comes for no apparent reason.
Is there any difference between these shifting moods and what is called depression? Yes. Depression, versus ordinary unhappiness, is characterised by longer and deeper feelings of despondency and the presence of certain characteristic symptoms. This distinction is important, because in severe cases, depression can be life threatening, with suicide as a possible outcome.
Be concerned if your loved one…
-Doesn’t seem to care about anything anymore. She/he has lost interest in work, sex, hobbies, and other pleasurable activities or withdrawn from friends, family, and other social activities.
-Expresses a bleak or negative outlook on life. Is uncharacteristically sad, irritable, short-tempered, critical, or moody; talks about feeling “helpless” or “hopeless.”
-Frequently complains of aches and pains such as headaches, stomach problems, and back pain or complains of feeling tired and drained all the time.
-Sleeps less than usual or oversleeps. Has become indecisive, forgetful, disorganised, and “out of it.”
-Eats more or less than usual, and has recently gained or lost weight.
-Drinks more or abuses drugs, including prescription sleeping pills and painkillers.
How can you help
In mild cases of depression, loved ones may provide all the support that is needed. Having someone who is willing to listen and ask concerned questions can make a lot of difference. It helps to listen in a way that shows you care and empathise.
But be careful as this does not mean entering into the person’s despair; an attitude of careful optimism is appropriate.
Avoid minimising the person’s pain or making comments like “Everything’s fine” or “Your life is good—you have no reason to feel suicidal!”. Instead, try saying something like “I can see how hopeless you feel, but I believe things can get better” or “I hear you and I would like to help.”
However, in severe cases it is important to seek professional help.
Where can you seek help
1. Jeevan Aastha Helpline:
Toll Free : 1800 233 3330 (24*7 available)
WEBSITE : http://www.jeevanaastha.com/
2. AASRA : 09820466726
(Language: Hindi and English)
Website : http://www.aasra.info/helpline.htm
3. One Life Foundation: 7893078930
Timings : Monday to Saturday : 10am to 6pm ( Verified )
Language: English , Hindi
4. SANJIVINI: (Delhi)
Centre 1 (Jangpura NewDelhi : 011-24311918 , 011-24318883 , 011-43001456
(10am to 5.30 pm: Monday to Friday)
Centre 2 (Qutub Institutional Area) : 011-
40769002 , 011-41092787 ( 10am to
7.30pm : Monday to Saturday)
5. SUMAITRI : 011-23389090 ( NEWDELHI )
Timings : 2pm to 10 pm weekdays and sat and sun – 10am to 10pm
6. FORTIS STRESS HELPLINE: +91-8376804102
All Days 24*7 , Over 15 languages
