Importance of preventing suicide during the pandemic

During these trying times, it is crucial to know how to identify individuals with such tendencies and help them

As the world recently observed Suicide Prevention Day, let’s take a closer look at the situation in India and how can we help make a difference and save precious lives. In our country, around 1,39,123 people were reported to die by suicide in 2019. The major triggers for these suicides were attributed to family problems and health conditions followed by drug abuse, marital problems, love failure, so on and so forth. The number of suicides has been reported to increase by about 67.7% as reported by online news media during the pandemic owing to the loss of jobs, stress, fear of getting infected by the virus loneliness, among many other reasons.

Triggers for Suicide

Suicidal thoughts or tendencies are primarily owing to the victim’s inability to accept or adapt to the current situation and they strongly believe that ending life is the only way of ending the current misery. Identification of risk factors can help to prevent suicide through appropriate counselling or treatment. The most common triggers of suicide include

• Previous suicide attempts. The risk of committing suicide is high in those who have previously attempted suicide.

• The suicide of a family member or a loved one can increase the risk of a suicidal tendency among others in the family. The loss of a family member can have a rippling effect on those around.

• Substance or drug abuse and excessive intake of alcohol can make a person hallucinate and may lead to suicide.

• Depression: Signs of depression include being sad, bored, anxious, irritated, or appearing hopeless most of the time. Identifying these triggers are very important.

• Bipolar disease: Suicidal tendency is common in people suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disease.

• Easy access to guns, knives, poison, etc., can induce suicidal tendencies in a person

• Losses like love failure, death of a loved one, academic failure, financial difficulties, etc. • Chronic illness associated with unbearable pain can lead to suicide • Children who are bullied are more likely to have suicidal thoughts.

Warning signs

Suicidal thoughts are not normal stress responses and indicate that a person needs help to cope up with the stress. It is important to call for professional help if you or your near and dear one exhibit any of the following behaviour G Extreme mood swings

• Big change in eating and sleeping pattern

• Repeatedly talks about taking one’s life or revenge

• Feel extremely depressed, guilt, shame, etc

• Exhibit anger G Withdrawn socially from family and friends

Suicides can be prevented! Our little efforts can go a long way in saving precious lives from selfharming. Strong family support, moral values, self-belief and confidence, staying away from drugs and alcohol helps a person to deal with stress, without suicidal thoughts. Attempt to commit suicide is punishable in India by law.

• Seek professional help immediately. If you or somebody around you has a suicidal tendency or if their behaviour is of concern, consult your psychiatrist right away.

• Call helpline: In case of distress or suicidal thoughts, seek help at helpline numbers to share your feelings.

• Don’t be alone: Make sure you or the person of interest is not alone. Spend time and provide unconditional support to people in distress.

• Constant care and non-judgemental support: These are very essential especially for those who are depressed and have a previous history of suicide attempts.

• Keep lethal items away: Ease of access to guns, knives, or certain medicines like sleeping pills can lead a person at high risk for suicide to committee suicide.

• Exercise: A simple activity like walking in a park can make you happy and divert your mind from suicidal thoughts.

• Stop drugs and alcohol abuse: Drugs and alcohol abuse increase risk-taking behaviour and suicidal thoughts. Seek expert help or rehabilitation if you are unable to stop taking drugs and alcohol.

• Addressing bullying: Kids should be educated against bullying and should be encouraged to report to concerned authorities for proper handling of the same.