By Ravi Singh Negi
Worldwide, including India, suicides are among the leading cause of death. Suicide cases are reported from early adolescence to very old age. But majority of the victims are of the age between 15 to 30 years. Suicide is best understood as a multidimensional, multifactorial malaise. Suicide is often a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Suicide is purely a personal and an individual act, but suicidal behaviour is determined by a number of individual and social factors, including mental disorder and genetic and family history. According to the World Health Organization, almost 800,000 people die from suicide every year; this roughly corresponds to one death every 40 seconds. These figures do not include suicide attempts, which can be more than 20 times frequent than completed acts. Prominent reasons of suicide amongst youth, aged between 21 to 30 years of age, are – divorce, dowry, love affairs, cancellation or the inability to get married, illegitimate pregnancy, extra-marital affairs, conflicts relating to the issue of marriage, expectations from spouse, break-ups, career problems, financial uncertainty and socioeconomic problems.
Suicide reasons for adolescents are associated mainly with expectations from parents, poor performance in exams, exam stress, adjustments with siblings, comparison with friends and siblings. In addition – perceived criticism from parents, invalidation from family members, and low levels of perceived family support, hostile family environment, lack of emotional support, unrealistic ideals may contribute to such behaviour – common factors among adolescents and elder youths. All such factors either individually or collectively lead to sadness, impulsive anger, anxiety, depression and ultimately suicidal thoughts resulting in action if not treated in time.
There is a common belief that suicide cannot be prevented because it is a personal matter, its major determinants are social and environmental, and factors on which the individual has relatively little control.
However, whatever may be the reason, on the positive side, it is now settled that suicidal behaviour can be treated, and suicides can be prevented up to great extent. Unless it is a psychiatric problem it can be treated socially and at the family-level. For which, we have to recognise the problem first. Always there are indications from the victim’s side such as – making statements like – “I wish I was dead,” or “I won’t be a problem for you much longer”. Other warning signs associated with suicide can include: changes in eating or sleeping habits, frequent or pervasive sadness, withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities; decline in the quality of work performance, preoccupation with death and dying, stopping planning for or talking about the future. They may begin to give away important possessions, frequent complaints about physical symptoms often related to emotions, such as stomach-aches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
The initiative lies with the family first. If parents/ guardians or any family member notices above indications in any person of the family, they should talk to the individual with high amount of patient listening and readiness for positive communication. If matters seem out of control, take the help of a counsellor, who will suggest further treatment or might refer to a psychiatrist.
The saying- “Prevention is better than cure” goes well with suicidal behaviour. Parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, friends, neighbours and relatives all have role to play in prevention of suicidal behaviour in our children and youth. They have to support their children’s mental and emotional wellbeing by Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Habits. Encouraging positive thinking and fostering healthy eating and sleeping habits can indeed reduce stress and contribute to overall well-being. Embracing Imperfections: Teaching children that making mistakes and facing failures are essential parts of the learning process can help build resilience and a growth mindset. Open communication: Taking the time to talk and address a child’s fears or anxieties is crucial for understanding their concerns and providing emotional support. Focus on positivity: Recognising and highlighting a child’s positive attributes and accomplishments can boost their self-esteem and confidence.
Above all, give sufficient time to children. Time is changing with a rapid pace widening the generation gap. Both generations see things from their angles but not necessarily both are correct. Both the sides must listen to each other and should find a moderate solution, keeping Lord Buddha’s teachings in mind for adopting the “Middle Path”. The generation gap is bound to be there, which needs to be reduced through healthy communication. Children must be allowed to express their feelings. Do not expect too much from children and do not impose your expectations on them. listen to them and respect their feelings.
(Ravi Singh Negi is an Advocate, Social Worker and Marriage/Academic Counsellor.)
