Staying out of harm’s way

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” - Seneca

Suicide is a public health concern that affects individuals, families and communities across the world. Suicide means causing one’s own death intentionally. A person thinks about committing suicide because they do not see an alternative and think giving up their life is going to bring relief for them and their loved ones. Feeling of hopelessness, isolation and sadness triggers it. They may not ask for help but they need it urgently. Suicide prevention begins with noticing the warning signs and talking about it.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1m people commit suicide every year and for each suicide, there are many more individuals who attempt self-harm. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency of addressing suicide as a significant public health issue.

There are some common factors that increase the risk of committing suicides and can range from a variety of trauma or recent losses to mental illness or terminal illness, alcoholism, drug abuse, chronic pains and previous suicide attempts along with the individual’s family history.

The first step in negating the risk of suicide is to recognize the warning signs the individual may be showing even though they may be masked in the tireless strivings of every day. The indicators of suicidal tendencies are listed below:

 

Ranked 7th by suicide rate globally in 2015 according to a WHO report, Nepal witnesses 6,840 suicides (estimated) annually or 29.4 percent suicides per 100,000 people. Suicide is currently the leading cause of death for Nepali women, aged 15- 49, according to a study conducted by Nepal Health Sector Support Program. 

One of the major obstacles in addressing suicide is the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. People often hesitate to discuss their struggles due to fear of judgment or societal misconceptions. Breaking the stigma involves fostering a culture that encourages open dialogue, empathy and understanding.

If you are suffering from suicidal intentions, there are few ways to cope with it, which are:

 

• First and most important, talk about it to someone. Share your feelings to that person every day.

• Make a note of contact numbers of friends, family and your therapist for emergencies

• Exercise regularly and go out in the sun every day for 30 minutes, as it will make you feel fresh and positive.

• Make some time to do things that make you happy like indulging in any of your hobbies or talking, listening to music, playing with your pet, etc.

• Try to make a routine for yourself and stick to it. You can include positive goals like reading, owning and playing with a pet, learning a new hobby, volunteering, moving to another place and so on. Make your personal goals.

• Avoid being alone and cutting off from family, friends or loved ones.

• Don’t go for alcohol or drug abuse as it’s going to worsen the situation and decrease your problem solving abilities.

• Avoid things that make you sad like reading old letters, seeing old photographs or listening to sad music or going to a loved one’s grave.

So these are a few ways through which you can help yourself or someone else. Suicide awareness is a collective responsibility that requires a shift in societal attitudes, policies and support systems. By promoting open conversations, breaking down stigmas and implementing effective preventive measures, we can work toward creating a world where individuals facing mental health challenges feel understood, supported and empowered to seek help. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help—your story matters and there is hope. 

Remember suicide is not the solution to any problem. Call, talk and share!