Suicide Prevention is one of the most crucial and imperative concerns across the globe

Suicide Prevention is one of the most crucial and imperative concerns across the globe. It has become all the more important in wake of COVID-19 pandemic, which has eaten up jobs, curtain freedom to socialise. And hence, it is vital that we raise awareness around the ways of preventing any mishappening in our lives, or to our dear ones. A detailed discussion on Suicidal tendencies--its causes, prevention and cure by Swimmi Shrivastava, The Statesman.

In an engaging and power-packed discussion, a panel of doctors of capital emphasized on the need of family care and understanding for suicide prevention, they also mentioned how a public awareness is a key to save lives. Due to the present hardship facing by the majority of people across the world due to corona doctor suggest a humane approach for people in distress.   In order to prevent any harm to their loved ones due to suicidal ideation, one needs to understand the reasons behind suicides. Dr Sharmila said, “Every suicide is preventable. Depression is not the only cause of suicide. Economic loss due to job cuts, illness, chronic illness, substance abuse could be some of the other reasons that lead to suicide.”

Further underlining the ways of preventing suicides, Dr Rahul Lalit Khemani said, “It is important that we normalize psychiatric help and discussions around suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. It is an entirely different experience when an individual shares his turmoil and feelings with a Psychologist as compared to talking to his/her friends. The help that a Psychiatrist can provide is what can lead to long-term healing of an individual.”

Adding to this, Dr Kedar Tilwe, said, “Suicidal ideation is what more crucial stage than the attempt to suicide is. If we can counsel an individual at a stage when he/she has suicidal ideation, we can control the loss of life and streamline the individual towards a more hopeful and positive life ahead.”

The panel, moderated by Dr. Supriya Himanshu, Consulting Editor Transformative. Today, also highlighted the legal perspective that can prevent suicides. Jaikush Hoon, said, “I have come across situations when people have lost their lifelong savings due to fraud and start to develop suicidal tendencies. While my role is to help them win their case, at times I also need to counsel them through this tough legal process and financial turmoil. But as lawyers, it is our duty to save lives, either way. We as a society are not ready to address the issue holistically, rather we see it as a sign of weakness. The reason behind this is that we don’t want to acknowledge that humans could or actually do have mental issues and it is normal to have them in life. Once we understand this simple point, thereafter we can surely develop a mindset to counter such extreme steps like suicides.”

Farah Akhtar emphasized on the importance of awareness about suicide prevention and said, “Panels like these are an important step towards saving lives and I am truly thankful that 750ad Healthcare has started the much-needed conversation around this sensitive topic.”

Other key highlights of the panel included the need for awareness around medication for depression and anxiety, reaching out to doctors and family and friends without the fear of being judged, and developing a society that openly addresses such issues thereby, aiding to a better India.

Speaking on the thought behind organizing this awareness driven panel, Shabnum Khan, Founder, 750AD Healthcare said, “Suicide Prevention is one of the most crucial and imperative concerns for everyone across the globe and hence, it is vital that we raise awareness around the ways of preventing any mishappening in our lives, or to our dear ones.  It is perfectly okay to be not okay and strong family support is one of the key factors in preventing suicidal thoughts and depression.”

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