Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts reach out to these helplines
AASRA - 91-9820466726, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Mitram Foundation - 080 2572 2573, +91 901 9708133, 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM | All days of the Week (10:00 AM - 04:00 PM from September 10, 2021)
Arpita Suicide Prevention- +918023655557, +918023656667, 10.00 AM to 01.00 PM & from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Replace Stigma Around Suicide With Hope
Stigma — Suicide cannot be prevented
Suicide is often preventable. If the signs are recognised and the individual receives the required support or professional assistance it can be prevented.
Through action, you can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments — as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour. We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide. — International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
Stigma — People commit suicide just to end their life.
Firstly, let’s refrain from using the word commit, people ‘commit crimes’, suicide is not a crime. Instead of the word “commit” use “die by suicide” or “death due to suicide” to show compassion towards the ones who have lost their lives and the bereaved. This will also break the stigma and encourage people to talk.
Next, suicide is not merely a way of ending life, rather, people considering suicide see it as the only way of putting an end to the pain, suffering or trauma. They consider suicide because they see no hope. It is important they receive the support that is required to help them see and learn different and adaptive ways of coping and re-discover their hope.
Stigma — Suicide is related to only one causal factor.
Suicidal thoughts are complex. The causes and factors of suicide are multi-faceted (biological, psychological, environmental and societal causes) there is always more than one given cause or factor responsible.
Stigma — Talking about suicidal ideations is just a way of getting attention.
No, in fact, it is a way of reaching out, seeking help. People with suicidal ideations do not enjoy talking about their struggles, as they have a constant fear of being judged negatively or coming out as weak in front of others. Talking about these struggles requires great courage. It is important that they feel heard and receive the required assistance.
Stigma — People who talk about having suicidal ideations do not really do to it.
Studies have shown that the majority of individuals who die by suicide do open up to at least one person about having suicidal thoughts. If someone you know has opened up about having suicidal thoughts, provide them with resources and make them feel heard instead of judging them.
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Covid-19 And Suicidal Ideations
The era of covid-19 has created many challenges with respect to our lives, physical and mental health, relationships, academics, career and overall well-being. People going through mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, PTSD or others might be more vulnerable to suicidal ideations. During this time while we are putting in all our efforts to take care of our physical health let’s also equally prioritize our mental health and the one’s around us.
Art Therapy to Enhance Well-being and Prevent Oneself from Suicidal Ideations
Art therapists facilitate active art-making within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art therapy is a creative process of becoming self-aware, learning self-regulation and building resilience. It promotes the overall well-being of an individual.
Art therapists help suicide survivors and clients at risk for suicide explore coping strategies and implement prevention and creative strategies to support safety and reduce the risk of self-harm. - The American Art Therapy Association
To know more you can book a session with specialized expressive art therapists at ManoShala. . . .
Around 703,000 people lose their lives due to suicide worldwide each year, this world suicide prevention day let’s take the steps towards making this awareness and support embedded in our every day and not just limited to one day or one particular month.
“Suicide can affect every one of us; we should all feel equipped, supported and inspired to act as we try to prevent more suicides around the world. #bethelight this World Suicide Prevention Day.” - International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
By
Muskan Gupta, Psychologist, ManoShala
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