Recently it was reported in
the media that in Ranchi two students of two different universities committed
suicide. Almost every day, we find such bad news from this or that part of the
country. During examination and result seasons the number of suicide
cases related particularly to students and youths goes up. It is really very
disturbing and a serious cause of concern for all of us. Everyone is born to
live and live well. Death is a natural phenomenon which is certain, but
uncertain. And normally nobody wants to die, and no failure is permanent till
we keep on trying our best to improve ourselves. Isn’t it?
Suicide data of our country
indicates that the main vulnerable groups are that of youths, daily wage
earners and corporate employees. Talking about the male-female ratios, it is
found to be 72% and 28%.
It is notable that incidences
of suicide can’t be attributed to one single factor. In fact, it’s the outcome
of a combination of more than one factors namely emotional, medical,
psychological, social, circumstantial etc., However, the deep analysis of suicide
data and the reasons behind most of these cases suggest that students commit
suicide mainly due to actual failure, likely failure or fear of failure either
in school, college and university examinations or in any competitive tests. The
fear of getting caught by the police for doing something wrong or unlawful,
knowingly or unknowingly is another reason of suicide attempt for such people
across all age groups. The domestic discord, problems, conflicts and related
stress issues are major causes of suicide deaths among married people – both
ladies and gents. Issues related to marriage and relationship – love failure,
dowry allegations or disputes, extra-marital affairs to name a few, plays a
major role in this matter. Mental health problem, other major illness issues
and financial problems also contribute towards suicide deaths. Bullying,
harassment, discrimination, apprehension of job loss and demotion are some of
the emotional trigger points responsible mainly for choosing this extreme step
in case of youths and salaried people. Here it is note-worthy what Thomas E.
Joiner, the famous American Psychologist and Author of the book ‘Why People Die
by Suicide’ says, “Virtually everyone who dies by suicide has a mental disorder
at the time of death.” Isn’t it a point worth deliberating?
Before discussing this emotive
issue further, let us go through the views of two wise persons. Karl A.
Menninger says, “Hope is a necessity for normal life and the major weapon
against the suicide impulse.” Maya Angelou asserts, “I have learnt that no matter
what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better
tomorrow.” Can anybody disagree with what they said? Not at all.
Notwithstanding, the pertinent question has been how to minimize, if not
prevent completely the incidence of suicide in our country? It can be done
mainly at two levels – individual level and community-government level.
By following even these four
simple and doable prescriptions, any individual, however agitated, impulsive,
depressed, stressed or angry, he or she can desist from taking this fatal step.
1) Just move out of your room or the place where you have that intense feeling
of ending your life immediately 2) Instead of counting your curses, if any,
count your blessings, which in any case must be many 3) Talk to your parents,
spouse, mentor and/or one or two good friends or colleagues, and don’t hesitate
to seek their help and support 4) Call your family doctor or a professional
counsellor to share your feelings and get the solution.
Yes, at the community and
government level, the needful should be done to provide easy availability of
professional counsellors particularly for all those persons who are having
constant mental issues – anxiety, stress, depression etc., Otherwise also, there
must be a counsellor in every college and university to let the students talk
to him or her freely and ventilate their grievance or anxiety or any other
issue troubling them. The near and dear ones can play an important role in
knowing and acting suitably when a person is going through the phase of despair
and hopelessness. Loretta Girzartis rightly says that if someone listens,
stretches out a hand, whispers a word of encouragement, or attempts to
understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.
As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion. (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)
# Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily. # Click here to enjoy my Blog in Hindi, "Chalte, Chalte" (चलते, चलते)
