Suicide Prevention to be focused: World Mental Health Day 2019

Nearly 800000 people commit suicide every year which is one person dies every 40 seconds. It is the second principal cause of death among 15-29 years old globally. In Nepal alone, 7144 perpetrated suicide in the past 16 months. Steering to increase awareness in this crucial issue, World Mental Health Day,10th October 2019 theme emphasizes ‘Mental Health promotion and focus on Suicide prevention’ as per stated by the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH). People deliberately taking their own lives are linked to various mental illnesses. Anxiety, depression, stress, substance abuse, including psychiatric disorders; Schizophrenia, personality disorders contribute to risk factors. Relationship problems, loneliness, financial difficulties, unemployment, bullying, loss of loved ones, chronic illness, physical disability, crisis, and previous suicide attempts also lead to self-harming thoughts and behavior. The impact of suicide is highly seen in family, friends, colleagues the one interacts regularly with the person who died. The event can also mark foot to people indirectly correlated and shares a similar pain.

Suicide can change the entire context of the community. And yes, it is preventable. WHO has converged on four core preventive measures; removing the damaging objects/tools, helping young adults in developing coping skills with life pressure, working with media to spread awareness, and identifying and managing thought of an individual having suicidal ideation or has attempt earlier. However, the primary rubric to avert suicide is 3 L’s, Look, Listen, and Link. Identify sharp, harmful, and remove suicide committing objects. Do not leave them alone if they are in danger. Listen without judgment on what they have to say. Utterly sharing the difficulty and having someone to listen can lessen 50 percent of the problem. A majority of people with suicidal ideation often hide their feelings and thoughts conferring no signs till the end. Though suicide is impulsive at times listening empathetically, we can recognize the warning sign. Indications include; talking of suicide, abrupt consumption of alcohol or drugs, avoiding friends and family, saying goodbye, sudden calmness, gifting their things, and feeling hopeless. Suicide attempt doesn’t always signify they want to die. It is often a sign of emotional turmoil and inadequate coping. So, Link them to professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. Medications (if only required) and therapeutic support from specialists result in desirable alternative/new coping skills as well as balance emotional state. Suicide is preventable. If someone you know is thinking of showing suicidal behavior bridge with professionals and save a life. Also, impart these helpline numbers for an emergency: TUTH Suicide Hotline: 9840021600 Tran cultural Psychosocial Organization-Nepal Crisis Hotline: 1660 0102005 Mental Health Helpline Nepal: 1660 0133666