Choose Hope: Speak Up, Reach Out, You can Save a Life!

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, Together, we can choose hope, and in doing so, we can change the world.

Highlights:

World Suicide Prevention Day highlights the theme of "Creating Hope Through Action"
It underscores the significance of choosing hope as a means to combat suicide
Suicide prevention, emphasizes the power of open conversations, small acts of kindness, and professional assistance

As the sun dipped below the horizon on a warm summer evening, I found myself reflecting on a topic that had touched my life in ways I could never have imagined – suicide. It's a word that carries a weight heavy enough to shatter even the strongest of spirits, but it's also a word that can be countered with a powerful force: prevention.

For years, a lot of us have been oblivious to the profound impact suicide had on individuals, families, and communities until it struck close to home. It was a phone call I will never forget, one that shattered my world into a million pieces. A dear friend had taken their own life.

But it was in this darkness that I found a flicker of hope - a hope that I could channel my grief and anger into something positive, into the fight against suicide.

Approximately 700 000 suicides occur annually worldwide, and we know that each suicide profoundly affects many more people.

“Creating Hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), observed annually on September 10th, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about suicide and the imperative need for its prevention. Through our actions, we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention through this theme and serve as a powerful call to action ().

Depression Calculator
A quick, simple and anonymous self-assessment health tool to assess the level of depression using the famous Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale.

‘You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it. Suicide is not the answer and asking for help does not make you weak.#worldsuicidepreventionday #saynotosuicide’

Understanding the Pathmakers of Suicide

Mental Health Conditions:
Conditions like depression and anxiety are prominent risk factors for suicide
Substance Abuse:
Individuals abusing alcohol or drugs are at a heightened risk of suicide
Trauma:
Those who have experienced trauma, such as abuse or violence, are more susceptible to suicide attempts
Financial Hardship:
Economic struggles can exacerbate the risk of suicide
Loneliness and Isolation:
Feelings of isolation and loneliness can trigger thoughts of suicide

The Power of Conversation

One of the most significant realizations on the journey toward suicide prevention was the immense power of conversation. Talking openly about mental health, depression, and suicidal thoughts can be incredibly challenging, but it's also undeniably necessary.

Begin by having honest conversations with friends and family. Ask them how they were really feeling, listen without judgment, and assure them that they are not alone, no matter what. It is surprising how often people opened up once they felt safe and heard.

These conversations teach us that we must be vigilant, not only for our loved ones but also for ourselves. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Depression Screening Test
Online Depression Screening Test tells if you have mild or chronic depression based on your depression symptoms. Learn how to deal with depression by using this self-assessment calculator.

Small Acts of Kindness

Preventing suicide isn't just about grand gestures; it's also about the small acts of kindness that can make a world of difference. A simple text message to check in on a friend, a smile to a stranger, or a lending ear can brighten someone's darkest day.

Make it a point to practice these acts of kindness regularly. The ripple effect they create is astonishing. People who are helped in small ways went on to help others, creating a network of support that extended far beyond the initial efforts.

Societal and Family Pressures Drive Suicide Among Students
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in student suicide rates in India. The root cause is linked to societal and familial pressure.

Seek Professional Help

It is necessary to realize that there were limits to what one could do as a friend and advocate. Sometimes, professional help is essential, and I encourage those in need to seek it without shame.

Learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide - withdrawal, dramatic mood swings, increased substance use - and take them seriously. Trusting your instincts and involving mental health professionals when necessary is a crucial part against suicide prevention.

Choosing Hope

Today, as we look back on the journey towards suicide prevention, we see the progress we've made as a society in breaking down barriers and fostering open conversations about mental health. But there is also much work left to do.

Suicide prevention is a collective effort, and each of us can play a part. Whether it's through conversation, education, advocacy, small acts of kindness, or encouraging professional help, we can make a difference. We can choose hope over despair, and together, we can save lives.

So, let us be the change-makers, the advocates, and the listeners. Let us stand together in the fight against suicide, because every life is worth saving, and every action counts. Together, we can choose hope, and in doing so, we can change the world.

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