Govt. of India data shows that over 24,000 children in the age bracket of 14-18 years committed suicide in India in the period between 2017-19, with over 4,000 cases arising from failure in examination. The overall number of suicides in 2019 in India was nearly 1.4 lakh.
Every suicide is a preventable tragedy, causing shock and pain to many people. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease study estimate that almost 800,000 people die from suicide every year.
Suicides are preventable if we recognize the risk in time and manage to help the person. It is important to understand that the person committing suicide often does not wish to die, they just want to end the pain they are unable to bear anymore. They want the life as they are battling right now, to end, so that they can be free of pain. And pain, can be helped. The cause of pain can often be managed. The person can have renewed strength if they are not lonely and have support.
There is stigma surrounding suicide and mental health problems, while it is more acceptable to have a physical illness. Let us change that! Let us talk about depression and anxiety! Let us express our pain. Let us support each other the best we can. Let us listen to another person, for we do not know when a small gesture from us may save another person's life.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to doctors, family members, trusted friends, colleagues, teachers, or even helplines. It is important to talk about your feelings, struggle and pain, and suicide is not the answer. Please know that you are not alone and your life is valuable. No matter what you are going through right now and what you are feeling right now, it will get better if you seek help. There are people who want to help you, without judgement. Your life is precious.
You can call this helpline 9152987821 or visit https://icallhelpline.org You can also find a list of helpline numbers on the Resources page of this site:
Here is an informative video from icall helpline. Please share.
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm, please talk and get help. If you suspect someone you know is struggling like that, talk to them and try to get them help. Above all, please know that it is alright to talk about our mental and emotional struggles.
References
World Health Organization. (2014). Preventing suicide: A global imperative. World Health Organization.
Roth, G. A., et al (2018). Global, regional, and national age-sex-specific mortality for 282 causes of death in 195 countries and territories, 1980–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet, 392(10159), 1736-1788.
#Suicide Prevention
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