Suicide – Youth in Danger

Principal Pritha Rao was soaked in her own sweat after she saw her computer screen. 12-year-old Ashmita, a student had posted about contemplating suicide and asking for suggestions on her Facebook account! And a few of her friends actually suggested few brutal ways! She immediately called up the student’s parents to find out what could be the reason; but they had no clue of such a thought entering their child’s mind.

Suicides have always been a heart pricking word and surge in number of youth involved in this act over the past decade has become a cause of concern for society at large, all over the world. Suicide is an evolved form of self harm which all of us tend to do at some point during our childhood. These could be as simple as refusing to eat, scratching one’s skin, pulling hair off or hitting walls with fists or/and heads.

The causes of suicide could range from mental illness, addiction, a traumatic event to social factors like protesting, forced and way of escaping. Mental illness which includes depression, substance abuse, and personality disorders which are found to be the reason in nearly 90% of suicide cases. Further, depression could be because of pressures of everyday life which could be income finance related, status related, and achievement related. (India reported over 7000 exam related suicides in 2008). In most cases the victim would have visited a physician for help in the prior year of their death which suggests that suicide is not an act but a disease which slowly grows and engulfs the human mind and emotions killing all hopes for change or betterment. In these cases, a synonym for suicide could be ‘Untreated Depression’

Statistically speaking, According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), USA, Suicide accounts for over 33,300 deaths. That’s 10.9 suicides per 100,000 people. The rate of suicide for children aging 10-14 stands at 1.3 per 100,000; adolescents between 15-19 at 8.2 per 100,000 and for young adults at 12.5 per 100,000.

In India too, a sad truth is that, the number of suicides is three times that of the USA, and South India reports the highest number of suicides by young people in the world, by young people. Men are four times more likely to commit suicide as compared to women.

So how do you know if a youngster is on the suicidal path? And once you know how do you stop it? A visible symptom is persistent sadness or ‘bad’ mood. A sense of pessimism and self description as useless, worthless and untalented are important symptoms too. Often suicidal youth tend to show lack of interest in activities which involve group interaction which also is important sign to pick. All of these might not be clearly visible and some might be stronger than others. Once you have a hunch of a friend in such a state. In order to help them, winning their trust as a friend or ally is crucial to understanding the true nature of the problem and for this, listening skills is very important. If mood swings are extreme and involves destructive behavior it is best to tell family members and get medical help.

Besides prescription drugs and counseling, natural techniques like naturopathy, yoga and energy balancing have been used to treat depression and suicidal tendencies. But a thought to ponder about is could a visit to orphanages, mental asylums, physically challenged homes be an innovative way of treating suicidal tendencies? This is not to scare them of consequences but to show how fortunate they already are to have a perfectly normal body, people who care and wish to bring happiness to them. For some, work is an effective distraction; making them part of a team of inspired people who are highly supportive and encouraging would do a world of good. They say positivity is more contagious than any virus in the world. This might catch up and help in giving them a reason to live and not just exist.

Suicide is not a personal or a family problem; it also reflects the kind of society we live in. It reflects how supportive or pressuring our neighbors, government and economy is. We cannot do a lot about the world outside us but we can strive to be considerate and supportive of people. Try standing in their shoes before judging. A feeling of empathy can make this world a better place. A bit everyday.

Mayank Solanki

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