SUICIDE – THE DARK TRUTH

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in the world.

NO ONE TRULY WANTS TO DIE- THEY JUST WANT THE SUFFERING TO END

Before every death is the death of hope, the death of a dream, the death of a wish, the death of inspiration, the death of light,the death of belief, the death of innocence, the death of an identity and finally comes the death of the person.

Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by insurmountable feelings of self-hate, judgement, helplessness, inferiority, hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can’t see any way of finding relief except through death. But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to suicide, but they just can’t see one. The darkness surrounding and enveloping them is too dense and deep.

An individual with suicidal thoughts does not have the ability and cognizance enough to analyse that his/her actions will impact not just them but all their loved ones. There are multiple factors behind a person taking the extreme step of ending their life – pain of rejection and shame is the highest on the list. The person is in a troubled state of mind, they want to punish the people around themselves – not realising they are punishing themselves. Substance abuse is a red sign for suicide. One third of the people who attempt suicide are undersubstance influence. Even though the step of taking their own life is spontaneous and comes with a momentary decision, there are some signs that are warning symbols to be alert for:

• Regular talk about suicide, death or being dead

• Research on lethal means and weapons

• Preoccupation with death

• Feeling caged, trapped or lost

• Self-loathing, self-hatred

• Withdrawing from others

• Increase in substance, alcohol or other addictions

• Giving away prized possessions, making a will

• Being too calm and unperturbed- especially after episodes of depression

Teenage suicide is a serious and growing problem. These years can be emotionally turbulent and stressful. Teenagers face pressures with self-esteem issues, self-doubt, and feelings of alienation. They also face peer pressures and struggles to fit in. One of main risk factor for teen suicide is Depression. This coupled with parental denial and refusal to look at the red flags is a major cause of concern for the growing rate of teen suicide.

There are certain best practices to follow when talking to someone who may seem suicidal:

• Be present: Do not let the other person feel judged or isolated. Let the person know you care, that they are not alone. The comforting presence of a loved one is more important than the words shared.

• Listen: Giving someone the safe space to talk without being disturbed or interrupted is the best approach. When a person talks, without being interrupted, they are also able to listen to themselves, which helps them realise theoutcome of their actions.

• Be non-judgmental: One of the reasons the person is so low is because they feel judged and isolated. It is important to give them a non-judgemental space to be.

• Show them the light: Reassure your loved one that help is available and that the suicidal feelings are temporary. Let them know that they are important and loved.

• Don’t mock them: If someone is sharing their feelings, do not negate or ridicule them and their feelings.

• Do not give them solutions: People with suicidal thoughts are already feeling inferior. By offering solutions to their problems, we may make them feel as if they and their problems are not valuable. Rather speak to them and ask how you can be of assistance. Show the support and let them speak.

World over, suicide is a growing issue and requires to be addressed. We need to spread awareness and remove the stigma surrounding the word and the emotions dominant to Suicide. Let us pledge to come together to spread awareness and create an open and accepting environment to live in.