Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces and communities, impacting everyone. We need to do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health as individuals and as a society. We need to talk about mental health, in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if one is struggling.

Another important aspect of concern in our country is the rising rate of suicides. About 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide every year. Suicides in India rose 10 per cent from 2019 to an all-time high of 1,53,052 in the pandemic year of 2020, with student suicides seeing the highest percentage increase at 21.20 per cent, according to the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). In 2019, Maharashtra recorded the highest number of deaths by suicide followed by Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. These five states together accounted for almost half the total suicides recorded in India in that year. The male-to-female suicide ratio is around 70.2:29.8, which means that the number of men committing suicide is three times higher than that of women.

Factors contributing to suicide in India in 2020

Subscribe to The Teenager Today print / digital editions to read the full article.

The post Suicide Awareness & Prevention appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Teenagers commit suicide usually because of their studies, lack of motivation, and scolding from parents, friends’ circle, bullying, etc. People often fail to understand the mental state of a teenager. Teenage is a time in life when the individual is very sensitive emotionally. This affects the future of the individual as this is the golden period of a student’s life. Some teens find it very easy to cope with everything, while others find it difficult. This can be prevented if those around the adolescent try to understand his/her sensitive mental state. They should talk to the adolescent about how they are feeling. Parents should discuss any problems with the teens. Teens should pursue hobbies to feel less depressed. Negative thoughts often cause teens to choose the wrong path, causing them to hurt themselves. Better parenting, pep-talking and persuading teens to be optimistic is all that is needed for a teen to be raised properly.
Rudrani Singh
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

India ranks at the top in terms of suicide rate in the world and the majority of suicides are committed by students. The pressure from parents to score the highest marks is one of the major reasons for the increasing suicides among students today. Moreover, due to the lack of student counselling, the situation is becoming worse. Unlimited syllabus in each subject in the education system is making students stressed out even more. The government, schools, as well as each individual, must take initiatives to create awareness among students regarding suicides.
Pamila Lexcy (20)
Women’s Christian College, Tamil Nadu

During their teenage phase, teenagers go through several emotional and physical changes. They come under bad influences which are like an attraction to them. Surfing the internet and social media, getting involved in love affairs and substance addiction are some of the major reasons for suicidal tendencies. During adolescence, youth go through insecurities such as peer pressure, over-expectation from parents to perform well in examinations, racial, sexual or even body shaming online. Helicopter-parenting can also be a reason for suicidal attempts among the youth. They try to find a permanent solution to a temporary problem, and that is to end their life.
Apurva Gupta (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

Losing the hope to live or feeling like there is no one for us, getting depressed when we fail at doing something, makes one think “I am of no use, who needs me, then why to live?” etc. Giving hope to youngsters will give birth to winners, instead of scolding them, give them a second chance. Until you lose, you won’t win. If we do so, many lives will change.
Sonu Joy
Darshana Institute of Philosophy, Sawangi, Wardha

Every hour, one student in India commits suicide, but why? Nowadays, the pressure of studies imposed on children is the main cause. Some parents force their children to fulfil their dreams, even though their children do not find interest in that particular stream and are not able to cope with their studies. After getting admission in colleges, sometimes junior students are harassed by senior students to such an extent that they become very embarrassed and think that suicide is the only way out of the situation. Parents should understand the interests of their children and support them, so that the child never thinks of committing such an act.
Aadya Kumar (12)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna, Bihar

“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” A suicidal feeling is not a character fault, but a strenuous situation that is uncontrollable. It is a brave deed to face death and students should use this fortitude to confront life, to gain skills to overcome depression, and to find the firmness to keep moving. Crisis lines, supporting networks, sensory strategies to relax, meditation, breathing techniques can challenge any self-defeating thoughts. Remember: “Problems that seem hopeless have solutions”.
Harnishya Palanichamy (15)
Hebron School, Ootacamund

A study reveals that India’s large proportion of suicides occur between the ages of 15 to 29 years. These deaths resulted from poor relationships with parents, excessive expectations, the feeling of being unwanted, poor understanding of their peers, romantic relationships, etc. Family background plays an important role in determining how young people cope with despair. To avoid such a situation:

1. Mental health and wellness should be added into the school curriculum.
2. If students are self-motivated to face failures, there will be no tendency to commit suicide.
3. Cultural or religious beliefs can discourage suicide and promote healthy living.
4. Good support and communication from family members can enhance the mental health of students.
   Abina Binu (16)
   B. V. J. M. H. S. S. Perumpadave, Kannur, Kerala

The thought of meeting their parents’ huge expectations triggers a student’s mind, and when a student fails in the process, it makes him/her doubt their potential and efficiency, leading to depression and finally suicide. The only way to reduce a suicidal tendency is to bridge the communication gap between parents and their children. Students should be counselled and encouraged that failure is not the end; rather it’s the stepping stone to success.
Gauri Sharma (16)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Patna

The post Increasing number of suicides among students appeared first on The Teenager Today.

One commits suicide when unable to protect himself/herself, and loses his hope to live. One forgets the good experiences in life but remembers only the bad. This is self-defeat as one fails to make one’s life meaningful, seeking instead idiotic solutions to escape from problems.
Durva Garg (13)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Suicide is the act of killing oneself. If one has learnt to have control over one’s anger or emotions then he/ she can easily defeat ‘suicidal tendencies. There are ways by which we can control ourselves like doing yoga regularly which makes our minds fit and healthy, getting connected with family and friends, practising hobbies, reading good books, etc. If we succeed in doing this, we can say we have conquered ‘self-defeat’.
Anamika Singh (15)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

Suicide is the biggest sin. We should learn to face the obstacles that keep on coming to our life. Suicide is not a solution to the perplexities that we face; we should counter these difficulties by remaining optimistic. Difficulties will keep on coming and going, but a successful person will always face those challenges courageously and will rise up. Remember, even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise, again
Samarth Chawla (15)
St Francis De Sales Sr. Sec. School, Janakpuri, New Delhi

We are living in a world where no one cares for what the other is going through. People don’t support you, they only make you feel worse as much as they can, and listening to them makes you feel still worse depressed and we end up killing ourselves because of that. Why do we end our lives because someone said some rubbish?
Riya Bidhuri (14)
Notre Dame School, Badarpur

Before one experiences suicidal tendencies, he/she begins to show signs of self-defeat, and doesn’t see any meaning in life. Often, such people get the feeling that no one understands them, as well. Emotional pain, trauma or not being able to achieve success in life, etc. can lead one to suicidal tendencies, which if not attended to in time can lead to a tragic end of life.
Rashmo Mehta (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

Suicide is final submission to self-destruction, prompted by self-defeat. People who are silently struggling with inner burdens do that. Suicide can be considered as the worst defeat, since it is nothing short of destroying one’s own life.
Rajesh Yetukuri (17)
Sri Chaitanya Junior College, Guntur

Nowadays, not only teenagers but also well-educated persons resort to suicide instead of cultivating a fighting spirit. We should not feel dejected but should take failures, defeats and rejections as opportunities to strengthen our resolves.
Nianonika (13)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

No other defeat is worse than self-defeat. That’s what suicide is. We face a lot of hurdles in our life. At times, we also face setbacks one after another. But getting depressed, accepting defeat, is not a solution. Returning with more strength is the real solution. Life is God’s gift to us, and only He has the right to take it back.
Dhwani K. Thacker (18)
KDM, Nagpur

We are most often inclined to maximize pleasure and exaggerate pain. We condemn ourselves for negative outcomes which are caused by factors beyond our control, and then give in to self-defeating behaviour.
Khyati Aggarwal (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Suicide is seen as self-defeat when a person has given up on life, and sees no light at the end of the tunnel, and succumbs to the devious inner voice, saying “enough is enough!” We face many battles in life, and defeats too. But, losing to one’s own self is the worst defeat.
Aashi Dixit (20)
Babasaheb Ambedkar University, Lucknow

We are hearing these days about many suicide cases including that of Sushant Singh Rajput. Suicide is the worst form of defeat. We should love our life and shouldn’t lose hope, but should always give confidence and hope to ourselves and to others. Suicide shatters everything within a second. Let’s remember that when life gives us 1000 reasons to cry and to die, there are 10,000 reasons before us to smile and to shine.
Erica Bali (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

One of the reasons why someone commits suicide is that he/she sees that his/her long-cherished dreams do not come true. One feels depressed also due to the pressures/ expectations from the family and society which one thinks that he/she can’t live up to. Hence accepts defeat instead of facing such problems bravely.
Rashi Mehta (15)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Jethuli, Patna

Suicide and self-destructive behaviours result from a negative thought process, depression, low self-esteem and hopelessness. Suicide is the worst form of defeat because one thinks there is no hope left. One should be confident, hopeful, and emotionally supported in order to defeat such self-defeat.
Namya Malhotra (13)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

We are seeing a huge rise in the number of suicides, in the recent years, in India. Honestly, nobody can comprehend the agony of a person who chooses the path of suicide as he/she feels dejected and defeated. This is the worst defeat as there is no more will left in the person to do anything other than giving up life.
Senjuti Saibal Bhattacharya (19)
A C Patil College of Engineering, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai

Nobody is ever defeated until one accepts defeat! No doubt, self-defeat is the worst defeat. Suicide is the last step of a chain reaction that goes like this — failure, guilt, depression, acceptance of the scupper and then the end. Let’s keep in mind, “Failure can never overpower one if his or her determination to succeed is strong enough!”
Diya Vinod Surjuse (16)
Wardha

Suicide is running away from problems. When you run away from your problems you forget that there’s another version of you that is reliable, passionate and strong. Self-defeat, doubting one’s capabilities is the worst form of defeat. Suicide doesn’t relieve you from your problems. It only adds another burden to your life.
Disha Vig (16)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Attempt to suicide is an indication that something is gravely wrong in a person’s life. To escape unbearable sufferings a person commits suicide, taking it as the last option to get over the sufferings one goes through. To those who consider it, it might look like the most logical solution, but in reality it is not!
Sonali Garg
GGSIPU, New Delhi

Whether we are in the middle of a storm or flood, suicide is not an option. Suicide plunges one’s heart into an abyss of nothingness. It is the end of any growth in a person. We are not created for self-defeat, but for a glorious rising from ashes and storms.
Arunima (15)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

The post Suicide — a sign of self-defeat? appeared first on The Teenager Today.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on 10 September is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) with the purpose of creating awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.

Suicides by people of all ages, particularly the young, are on the increase on a daily basis, quite unlike before, and that too by people whom we least expect to take an extreme step like suicide. It is only a united effort by all concerned at all levels that can put an end to this ever-increasing menace. To begin with, we need to keep in mind the following, and act accordingly:

Threats of suicide should always be taken seriously. Always act on the cry for help, however insignificant you feel the cause of the threat is. We are dealing with people in pain and their perceptions are not necessarily close to everyday reality. In the majority of cases, an actual suicide is the result of a temporary mental aberration or instability — the person is just off balance rather than insane. An anxious event or something quite small pushes him/her beyond his/her limits of personal normal functioning and control. There are social pressures too, that increase the likelihood of suicide.

Usually people don’t just wake up one morning and decide to kill themselves; there is generally a history of threat or hints that suicide is an option. If the person has some rudimentary plan such as time, place and method, then the threat is very real and one would be wise to obtain professional help as quickly as possible.

In the event, one (you are) is faced with such a situation, here are some suggestions that may help you or someone you know to cope with while securing professional support:

Avoid platitudes and treat the issue as very real. Take the person and his declarations as if he means what he says. Do not attempt to negotiate. Sometimes people commit suicide as a form of retribution or paying back someone else to make them feel sorry. In such cases do not dwell on that person or how they might react to the intended suicide but rather keep the focus of the conversation on the suicidal person.

Give the person your total regard and listen to him, using plenty of summary statements so that you can show in a very real way that you understand his/her position, feelings and emotions. Many, especially young people, harm themselves because there has been a breakdown in communications with those who are significant in their lives. Coupled with this intense listening, refrain from making any judgemental comments or indeed trying to negotiate or talk them around. They will see what you are doing and you will lose their trust. It is far better to keep them talking until they are all talked out.

If it looks as if the person really is going to kill himself then you move from being non-directive and get the person to a hospital or a crisis centre and/or notify the police as soon as possible. Tell the person that you understand that he is in real psychological pain but that this will pass with time and that he must hang on and give himself a chance. This is the only area where you will not be expected to be bound by the confidentiality protocols. You have every right to prevent someone harming himself/herself or others and this overrides any contract you have with the individual. Once the event is over and the person is safe you will enjoy his/her positive regard again.

All of us can make our contribution in preventing suicide. Suicidal behaviour is universal, knows no boundaries so it affects everyone. The millions of people affected each year by suicidal behaviour have exclusive insight and unique voices. Their experiences are invaluable for informing suicide prevention measures and influencing the provision of supports for suicidal people and those around them. The involvement of people with lived experience of suicide in research, evaluation and intervention should be central to the work of every organization addressing suicidal behaviour.

Every day, we lose many lives to suicide, and many more are profoundly impacted by their deaths. We acknowledge all who experience the challenges of suicidal ideation, and those who have lost loved ones through suicide.

For more articles like this, subscribe to the print or digital editions of THE TEENAGER TODAY.

The post Preventing suicides by working together appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Recently, I heard friends and dear ones of a youngster who ended her life in a jiffy say: “Can’t imagine that she has done this; she was everything to us, and was everywhere, was so smart …”

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. Suicide in teens is a serious and growing problem. The National Crime Records Bureau reports a student suicide every hour in India. In most cases, youngsters between the ages of 14-30 years commit suicide. There are various issues that teens are grappling with: peer pressure, emotionally turbulent and stressful years of life, issues related to their very personality: self-esteem, lack of confidence, loneliness, feeling of not fitting in anywhere, depression, etc., can lead one to commit suicide. There are other risk factors such as childhood abuse, traumatic experiences, lack of reference points, non-friendly home, social or school environment, and familiarity with others who often speak about teen suicides.

These facts made me reflect deeply on the ever-increasing number of suicides. What preventive measures do we need to take to reduce the alarming rate of suicides? In the field of education and especially with regard to value education and personality development what more can we do? I put these questions to some of the scholars that I know. This is what they had to say:

Prof. Shazia Kardar, King Khalid University, Department of English writes: “Students usually don’t understand that suicide means self-defeat. Different issues trigger negative thoughts in their minds. In school classes to boost self-esteem, stressing the value of life and the reason for life, etc., should be introduced. Effective life skills also need to be taught. The students should also be encouraged to open up about any problems they are experiencing.”

Prof. Antony Kannanayakkal Joseph, Cultural Anthropology and Theology, says: “One of the possible reasons that leads a person to suicide would be running out of alternatives or options. Not that options are not available but the capacity or skills of identifying alternatives are not developed. A world which rejects a loser, conducts elimination rounds to select the fittest is another cause. Training to reject such mentality, withstand peer pressures which promote competition, ability to design one’s own standards, and methods of life’s goals are also critical.”

Prof. Henry Olders, Psychiatry & Computer Engineering, says: “An important contribution to increasing suicide rates is that more and more people are being prescribed anti-depressants which can trigger violence, including suicidal and homicidal behaviour. Here is a section of an essay I wrote on anger and violent behavior (https://henry.olders.ca/wordpress/?p=1404).”

Prof. Vasil Grigoriev noted: “Suicide is a consequence of depression. The cause of depression is a disorder of physiological processes in the body, and is caused by improper functioning of the human body which leads to stress and punishment by the brain’s punishment system.”

Prof. Preeti Oza affirms: “Students today are the victims of over expectations. Moreover, educationists have failed to accept our students in complete totality. We have burdened them with our own anxieties and this burden becomes too much for young minds. Parents, teachers, and society have a collective responsibility to accept our students as they are.”

World Suicide Prevention Day

To create greater awareness of suicide and risk factors associated with it, September 10, every year, is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day in partnership with the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization. Attending two seminars organized in Maharashtra to mark this day for two consecutive years helped me to understand the pain and sorrow of those who lost their dear ones due to suicide.

Suicide is intentionally taking one’s own life, and it comes from the Latin word suicidium, which literally means “to kill oneself”. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death globally. There are myths and facts around suicides. One such myth is: “People who talk about suicide really won’t do it.” The fact is: Nearly everyone who attempts suicide has given some warning or sign!

Recognize the warning signs

Among the strong warning signals from teens who are pondering suicide are: drastic change in eating and sleeping habits, withdrawals, aggressive behaviour, escaping, drug and alcohol, indifference to personal appearance, drop in the quality of performance in school/college, tiredness, complaints about pains, no to praise or rewards. Be alert and act up on even indirect references to death or suicide. Expressions like: “Mom, you’ll be sorry when I am gone”, “There seems to be no way out,” etc., are packed with suicidal feelings.

Feelings of “I am good for nothing”, hopelessness, considering self as a burden; talking about death or suicide, sharing possessions, lack of interest in activities, high mood swings, etc., calls you to intervene. Speaking frankly and honestly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can help to save a life.

A loving dialogue

Various authors have shared their insights on how to talk to a teenager threatening suicide. Enter into a dialogue. Dialogue accompanied by prudence and discretion; listening with empathy, stepping in with apt questions: “Can you talk to me what is going on within you?” Gently ask: “Is there any specific event that pushed you to suicidal thoughts?” Do not enter into a lecture or a reactive mode. Keep off judgement and try not to disagree with their feelings.

You are initiating a new dialogue, your task is to search together for alternatives: no to suicide and yes to life. How and when? As quick as possible; suicide is never a solution. Play for them a tape of affirmation and love; suggest alternative options that will promote life. Ensure that you are there to stand by, that they can trust you.

Isolation and inability to form relationships were identified as important factors in suicidal attempts. Identifying the risk factors and recognizing the warning signs can help to prevent suicide. We need a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention: a blend of efforts that work together to address various aspects of the problem, endorsement of wellness, and mental health.

Experts are teaming up to reflect together how best to support teens in an increasingly digital world. Research efforts are already moving in this direction with focus on Teens, Tech and Mental Health. “Preventing suicide: A global imperative” is the first WHO report of its kind. A strong network among countries to develop/strengthen comprehensive suicide prevention strategies is the need of the hour. Together, teens, educators, and parents, we can do much to prevent suicide to save a life.

For more articles like this, subscribe to the print or digital editions of THE TEENAGER TODAY.

The post “Can’t believe that she is no more…!” appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Dear Khushi,

You are feeling overwhelmed, under pressure and depressed by the standoff with your parents and relatives, and you are turning against yourself. Perhaps you also feel a bit guilty and ashamed that you are not what your parents want you to be?

While harming yourself may make you feel better able to deal with your strong emotions for that moment, in the long run it is not a good way to cope with problems. By using a blade, you are putting your life at great risk. I strongly recommend meeting your school counsellor or approaching a trusted adult/teacher to seek face-to-face help for your feelings of depression and wanting to commit suicide. Please do this at the earliest.

When your feelings become strong and agitated, instead of harming yourself, calm yourself by channelling your energy and feelings into something soothing. You can exercise, listen to calming music, colour mandalas, dance or focus on a hobby if you have one till you become calm again. Decide on 2 to 3 methods that you can use.

Later, when you are ready, you can sit with your parents and understand their concerns and views about your friends and your dressing. Perhaps, their concern is not so much about ‘attraction’ but about your ‘safety’. The only way is to talk maturely to them and come to an agreement on boundaries. The counsellor/teacher/trusted adult can help in this discussion.

Right now, it is important that you deal first with your feelings of tension, depression and your desire to harm yourself.

The post I feel like committing suicide appeared first on The Teenager Today.

People always say that a person who accepts defeats and failures is truly a brave individual. But accepting failure is not an easy task and not all have the courage to get up after having suffered a fall. For a person like me who has always aimed for and succeeded in staying at the top, a series of setbacks and blows left a bad taste in my mouth. Though the test I was facing was not of a high level, it was still a daunting task — the annual examination that you needed to clear to move on to the next grade.

In the midst of mounting pressure, I was suddenly reminded about a burning issue during the exam season, i.e., suicides. This is the time when it is common to see newspapers and news channels reporting on suicides before the exams or before the results. The tragic thing is that many of these students who committed suicide did eventually secure good marks, but they ended their lives because fear of failure got the better of them.

The alarming increase in the number of suicides due to examination stress is a matter of serious concern. Is life so cheap that just one failure means the end of all things good? Is it such a big deal that if you fail to clear entrance exams or board exams your life has no meaning and you will lose everything? We don’t give a single thought to the people we leave behind, especially our parents, burdening them with endless pain and regret.

This is the bitter pill we need to swallow that today’s generation has this defeatist mindset. Being a student myself, I have firsthand experience that our lives have become so stressful that we just study to score good marks and not to learn something new. Our daily routines now revolve around tuitions and coaching classes and learning is no longer fun.

I believe that suicide is never an option because nothing in life is impossible. A close look at the lives of business tycoons and great personalities reveals an astonishing fact — that many of them either lost their jobs or were even dropouts! If they had lost faith in themselves and taken extreme steps, they would not be where they are now and the world would never have known about them.

Everything starts with you. If you think you are capable of doing something then have faith in yourself and do not be discouraged by disappointments in your life. There is no power in the world that can chain you and no obstacle that can impede your progress.

The post Broken down appeared first on The Teenager Today.