About 800,000 people commit suicide worldwide every year, of these 135,000 (17%) are Indians, a nation with 17.5% of world population. Between 1987 to 2007, the suicide rate increased from 7.9 to 10.3 per 100,000, which increased to 21.1 per 100,000 people in 2012.
These statistics are certainly alarming. Despite the advancement and growth in every realm of our life, stigma of suicide continues to grow unabated. Suicide is considered such a taboo subject that the misconceptions about it are in abundance.
These misconceptions or the lack of information means that people who are vulnerable and dejected from life cannot get the help they need in times of their crisis.
It’s important to know the facts and shatter the myths that surround suicide. Being well-informed about mental illnesses and suicide can help save some precious lives.
Myth: Suicide can’t be prevented. If someone is set on taking their own life, there is nothing that can be done to stop them.
Fact: Suicide is preventable. The vast majority of people contemplating suicide don’t really want to end their lives. They are seeking an end to intense mental and/or physical pain. Most have a mental illness. Timely medical interventions can save lives.
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Myth: People who take their own life are selfish, cowards, weak or are just looking for “attention.”
Fact: More than 90% of people who take their own lives have at least one and often more than one treatable mental illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and/or alcohol and substance abuse. With better recognition and treatment many suicides can be prevented.
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Myth: Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will put the idea in their head and cause them to act on it.
Fact: When you fear someone you know is in crisis or depressed, asking them if they are thinking about suicide can actually help. By giving a person an opportunity to open up and share their troubles you can help alleviate their pain and find solutions.
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Myth : Suicide always occurs without any warning sign.
Fact : There are almost always warning signs. Look out for them.
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Myth : Suicide occurs most often among the very rich and the very poor.
Fact : Suicide occurs in equal proportions among people from all socioeconomic strata.
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Myth: Someone making suicidal threats won’t really do it, they are just looking for attention.
Fact: Those who talk about suicide or express thoughts about wanting to die, are at risk for suicide and need your attention. Most people who die by suicide give some indication or warning. Take all threats of suicide seriously. Even if you think they are just “crying for help”—a cry for help, is a cry for help—so reach out to them.
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10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day. It is an ideal time to inspire people to work towards the goal of developing creative new methods for eradicating stigma. And the first step towards is by creating awareness… let’s spread the word and do our bit in saving lives around us.
12 Responses
A worthy cause! I am so glad you are sharing facts and myths here to raise awareness. I have experienced depression and have thought of suicide in the past. That is as far as it ever got because I got help. I knew I needed help, so I reached out and got it and here I still am, struggling along somehow. ♥
This is an issue that needs so much awareness. It is good to share about it. Thanks Shilpa
Thanks again for not leaving this topic in the darkness of shame.
Every time we get a story in the news (and it happens with alarming frequency, when even once is really too much), there’s most always found out that the perpetrator had some sort of mental illness. This can lead to a general shaming of anyone with any mental illness, which I find pretty darn despicable.
So when I see a post like yours, that seeks to separate the myths from the facts about mental illness and/or suicide, it gives me a little hope. Thank you, Shilpa.
Great post, Shilpa. I like how you busted myths.
A just and noble cause with statistics that raises awareness about the issue. It’s time we start speaking about it openly and find a solution.
That was a comprehensive article…there are so many myths surrounding suicide..but the truth is far from it…most people wouldn’t commit suicide if someone spoke to them at that very fragile moment..
Thank you, Shilpa, for busting the myths on this very serious topic. Every little bit of support can go a long way to saving someone.
I am so glad shilpa that you have focussed on the myths and facts, its a very important issue that needs awareness and sensitization on a large scale ..I have also written one post on this topic, will soon post it….before this day ends… thanks for sharing… reading your post… I am motivated to complete mine quickly and post it..
The problem with India is we don’t even recognize the causes that lead to suicides as valid…
A great post busting myths Shilpa…A worthy cause!
Thank you for this post Shilpa… So important to note the myths and be that much more aware. A family member has severe depression and we’ve talked about suicide which helps in its way … hopefully.
Even though we’ve advanced in a lot of spheres, the main component of human interaction, that of compassion, is very often missing in us. I’m glad you pointed this out in your post, Shilpa!