SUICIDE PREVENTION ;

Suicide is like sex in India, most of the people think about it but can't talk about it.
It is the most important issue, yet less talked about. India has the highest rate of suicide in South-East Asia. Men commit suicide at a higher rate as compared to women. This is because women are allowed to show their emotions, talk about feelings, cry their heart out and be emotional. We have this stereotype of men that they are supposed to be strong and handle their life well. Men show most of their emotions and feelings through aggression. We have build up this society where a man hears 'don't be a pussy' if he cries. This mentality, stereotypes and resistence to open up about certain issues make people think about ending their lives.
It is important to remember that suicidal thoughts and behaviours are NOT the natural consequence of life stresses. People dead by suicide were suffering from a mental illness at that time.
Depression and suicide often coincide. Yet not everyone who is depressed attempts suicide and not everyone who attempt suicide is depressed.

How can you help as an individual to prevent suicide? 

1. LISTEN MORE AND SPEAK LESS
When you encounter any person who is suicidal or even if you think they might take any wrong step, listen to them.
Avoid giving your point of views or telling them how you feel. Avoid comparing your story to theirs. Avoid giving too many suggestions.
Most of the people start telling the affected person things like
'Think about your parents' - This adds up more guilt to their already existing pain.
'I felt this too once' - Validate their feelings; do not compare.
'Be strong!' - They are strong enough to not attempt and talk to you about it.
And many more comments like these which does not help the person get better.
Listen to what is bothering them, sometimes that is enough.
Acknowledge their feelings. Tell them 'It is okay to feel this way.' 'I am here for you.'


2. DON'T BE TOO POSITIVE
When you are talking to a person who has any sign of being suicidal then do not try to tell them 'too' positive things like
'Life is so beautiful, why do you wanna do that?' 'You have got everything you ever wanted, how can you still not be happy?' 'Life is too short to be upset' and so on. When a person is in distress, he/she is way below the state where they can realize this. This 'too' much positivity might make them feel you do not 'get' them.


3. GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
Try to convince the person to get professional help. They can approach any mental health professional or even a suicide help line. If the person refuse deliberately or avoids the topic then contact any mental health professional or their guardian without their consent! Yes you read that right.
(Even when a doctor feels the person is at risk, they prefer involuntary hospitalization.)


4. KNOW THE SEVERITY
There is difference between being suicidal and suicide ideation.
Suicidal : a person is feeling like she/he wants to kill her/himself
Suicide ideation : thinking about/ considering or planning suicide.
Most of the people get suicidal once in their lifetime, but what matters is how far they have gone with this thought.


5. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET ABOUT SUICIDAL OR DEPRESSED PEOPLE.
Most of the people lost their loved one to suicide because apparently 'they never saw it coming'. Being depressed or suicidal DOES NOT always mean the person will stay in a dark room weeping there eyes out or look pale and show physical symptoms that they are suicidal. A normal looking person who is living their normal life can be suicidal and you would not even know it. So if anyone tries to reach out or you get any hint, take it seriously.


6. REPETITION OF SEEKING HELP IS NOT MANIPULATIVE
It is human tendency to take it normally or casually when a person say they are depressed / suicidal repeatedly.
We tend to believe 'they won't harm themselves because they did not do it the last time they were in the same condition.
We start taking it less seriously with time.
Take it seriously. Every 'asking for help' matters equally. Every suicidal phase is equally important. If their first attempt failed, doesn't mean their every attempt will fail. If one keeps talking about killing themselves (even in humorous way), doesn't mean they won't. If you think they won't, doesn't mean they won't.


7. AT LAST, BE KIND
Being kind is all it takes. We can actually save people from several mental health issues if we all just practice being kind. Be sensitive and humble. 'The kid who share his food with the new kid is much cooler than the kid who bullies the new kid.'



If you are here not for someone else but yourself, here are few ways in which you can help yourself :

i) JUST KNOW IT WILL PASS
This feeling you're having is not permanent. Just focus on passing the time where your urge is at the peak. When your urge will be lower, think about it thoroughly.

ii) TALK ABOUT IT TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST
Being vocal about your feelings always helps. Share whatever you are feeling with someone you trust. Let it all out.

iii) IT IS OKAY TO FEEL THIS WAY
Don't think this is wrong or you will be perceived weak because of your feelings. Every feeling is valid. The saying that people who kill themselves are cowards is wrong. Being suicidal is okay and you deserve to live.

iv) SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
Reaching out to someone professional and getting actual help is important. I promise you will be better soon, just reach out. Every country has suicide help line numbers, just dial.

v) CATHARSIS
It is a process of unbottling emotions. When we suppress our feelings and emotions they become deeply rooted. Often, we do not even realize how these feelings bother in different ways. Try releasing all these emotions by : talking to someone , writing in your journal , art therapy etc.

vi) MENTAL DISORDER
If you are suffering from any kind of mental disorder then take therapy and medication regularly even when you are not at your worst.