Suicide Prevention- How to help?

I write this post in view of recent cases of suicides in Goa. Yes ‘cases’, not ‘stories’ as they are reported in newspapers (recent one being insensitively handled by a leading newspaper in Goa). For most newspapers and news channels they are simply stories - sensational with blood, death, a ‘distorted’ reason and blaming kins or school or just God!

For all of us, there are times when it just seems too much, or we get too tired and fed up, or someone betrays and hurts us to a point of no return. Let us try and go back to the feelings we had at that time- helplessness, hopelessness, despair, depression, self-loathing and isolation. And then think about what helped us come out of all these feelings- a friend, a relative, a book, a therapist or a psychologist, a form of exercise or meditation. When a person commits suicide, these support systems either do not exist or have failed to act on time.

Unfortunately, in a country where everyday several farmers, students, teens, men and women end their lives, there is not enough attention paid to this important mental health issue. I would leave that aside for now, because I do not want to wait for government to do anything.

There are some simple steps we all can take as individuals to prevent suicides around us. Most suicidal individuals give warning signs or signals like talking about killing or harming oneself, talking or writing a lot about death or dying, withdrawal and seeking out things that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as weapons and drugs of their intentions (Don't forget to stop your car and talk to someone who is standing too close to the bridge staring blankly or crying). If you spot any of these signs point out the alternatives to the person, show that you care (Empathise, don't preach), and get a doctor or psychologist involved (ASAP!!). Cooj in Goa runs a Suicide Prevention helpline in Goa (Helpline no.:0832-2252525). .

For anyone who is in despair and is reading this right now- “I know (somewhat) how you feel. Please seek help. If you cannot trust your kin or friends, seek a psychologist. I did! It helps to talk, to share the feelings and desperation. There is always light, sometimes we are just not looking in the right direction”