World Suicide Prevention Day, observed every year on 10 September, shines a critical light on the global effort to raise awareness around suicide, a tragic outcome that often stems from mental health issues left unaddressed. Suicide often occurs when an individual feels trapped by a combination of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness—emotions that build up over time.
To prevent this devastating outcome, we need to promote open conversations, foster mental well-being, and create supportive environments, both at home and in workplaces. Helping someone who may be at risk begins with reaching out. Talking to them, asking how you can help, informing their loved ones, and seeking professional intervention are key steps to ensuring they don’t suffer in silence.
Promoting mental health starts with small, everyday habits that have a big impact. Setting aside ‘me time’ without gadgets or social media helps in decluttering the mind, while balancing work and life ensures a healthy body and mind. Mental wellness thrives when we can vent, whether to a trusted friend or through journaling. Maintaining this balance is essential not only for our mental health but also for building resilience in the face of life's challenges. By focusing on these basics, individuals can cultivate mental strength and reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed.
Addressing Mental Health and Breaking the Stigma
Suicide is a complex and multifaceted issue, yet experts agree that its prevention starts with addressing mental health, breaking down stigmas, and fostering an environment where people feel safe to seek help.
Dr Jaya Sukul, Consultant & HOD, Clinical Psychology at Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, said that suicide is not a sudden event but rather a buildup of emotional turmoil. According to her, “Suicide occurs on the triad of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. When an individual feels these three together for a long time, that’s when they become at risk for suicide.”
She further explained that society needs to understand that suicide is often the result of suffering in silence and not having access to mental healthcare early on. “The stigma exists because we think mental health difficulties are equivalent to intellectual disability, whereas emotions have nothing to do with capabilities and can be complex,” she added.
This stigma, as noted by CPSY Ruchi Sharma, Clinical Psychologist at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, remains one of the greatest barriers to preventing suicides.
“People feel it’s easier to end things than ask for help because they might be judged and ridiculed instead of being supported for sharing their concerns,” said Sharma. “Creating awareness through government campaigns, door-to-door outreach, and social media can help shift the mindset of people and bring about collective change,” she suggested.
Sharma pointed out several steps that can be taken within communities to prevent suicide
- Families should be supportive of members seeking help for mental health issues.
- Schools must encourage children to seek help early, fostering resilience in adulthood.
- Parents should address their mental health issues to prevent the inter-generational transmission of mental health disorders.
Early Warning Signs
There are many factors that may lead a person to feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with their environment or stressors. Sharma explained that these may include ongoing mental health issues, a family history of mental health disorders, substance abuse, chronic or terminal illness, and social pressure. She said that “any sudden trigger, like witnessing trauma or suicide, as well as gender—being male—can also increase the risk of suicide.”
Recognising early warning signs can be crucial in preventing suicide. These may include sudden changes in behaviour, self-neglect, changes in sleep or appetite, substance abuse, discussing death, or giving away prized possessions. “It’s vital to take note of these signs and seek professional help immediately,” said Sharma.
How Social Media Impacts Mental Health
According to Dr Minakshi Manchanda, Associate Director of Psychiatry, at Asian Hospital, Faridabad, “While social media can have negative effects like increasing anxiety, depression, addiction, bullying, and the fear of missing out (FOMO), it can help improve mental health by connecting people, boosting self-esteem, and creating a sense of belonging and awareness.”
“Social media has a dual impact on mental health. Talking about the positive impacts, it can offer emotional support, community, and mental health resources, allowing users to connect with others facing similar struggles. However, talking about its negative impacts, it can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression through comparison, cyberbullying, and the spread of harmful content. To minimize the negative effects, it’s important to monitor social media usage, engage in positive content, and set boundaries on screen time,” said Dr Rahul Chandhok, Head Psychiatrist and Head Consultant for Mental Health and Behavioural Science at Artemis Hospitals.
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