Remember there is no substitute to a Psychiatrist. But we can try our best to make our loved one reach a state of optimism, state of hope by just showing “Our unconditional Love, Our unconditional Care” Let us reduce this Suicide Epidemic by just showing one another or even strangers, we Truly “Love, Hope And Care…”

By, Dr. Sonia MBBS.MD

 Psychiatrist, Manipal

 Suicide, the leading cause of death in young adults second to road traffic accidents. One million people commit suicide per day and every 40 second a person loses his life due to suicide. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds. Among them 17% are Indian residents. As per WHO statistics, India ranks 6th at suicide incidence rate among females and 22nd rank among males. Now this is a very big matter of concern for India. We need to end this suicide epidemic briefly providing you some information.

 What are Risk factors of Suicide?

Psychiatric Disorders- ? Depression ? Anxiety ? Personality Disorders ? Schizophrenia ? Substance Abuse: Alcohol, Cannabis, Opioid Demographic – ? Family history of suicide attempt ? Previous or existing suicidal ideas ? previous suicide attempts.

Social Factors: In Adults- ? Unemployment ? Medical Disorders ? Terminal illness, Pain ? Debt ? Divorced ? Unmarried ? Lack of social support ? Relationship failures ? Domestic violence ? Sexual abuse ? Physical abuse In Children – • Anxiety, Depressions, Aggression revolves as an Emotional expression in children. Children lack problem solving capacity and they possess immature coping skills. • Family history • Parental loss • Academic Decline • Child abuse • Sexual abuse Elderly – ? Medical Diseases ? Dependency ? Debt ? Alcohol abuse ? Neglect…

What are warning signs?

How you should be careful that your loved one is at risk...? ? Feeling of hopelessness (Things won’t change) ? Helplessness (I can’t change things) ? Withdrawal from friends, family. ? Lack of interest in activities which were earlier pleasurable to him like indulging in his favorite hobbies, playing, travelling ? Change in appetite ? Fatigue ? Decreased Self esteem ? Negative comments about self or feeling of unworthiness “I am good for nothing, burden on family ? Previous suicide attempts ? Writing about suicide ? Writing Wil ? Amazing Reversal- Sudden elevation in mood, because the pain, “The suffering inside will end soon…” How do you help your loved one…? ? Take threat seriously ? De direct, talk openly ? Do not argue ? Do not Debate that you should live for so and so… ? Remember No One Wants To Kill Oneself They Just Want T0 Kill The Pain, Suffering, The Agony Deep Within. ? You should be willing to listen. ? Let them express feelings and emotions. ? Let person know you genuinely care and offer hope. ? Ask them – How can I help…? ? What would make you feel better…? ? Let them know that problem can be solved. ? Do not leave person alone ? Reassurance. ? Look around the house, his room, medicines, weapon, poison etc. ? Look for Alcohol or Drugs use. ? Discover who is closest to the person, whom the person genuinely relies on or confides to. Bring that person to him or any spiritual guru, whom the person believes and has faith on. ? Advice and Accompany him to the Psychiatrist. Ensure regular follow up and compliance with medications and therapy.

Remember there is no substitute to a Psychiatrist. But we can try our best to make our loved one reach a state of optimism, state of hope by just showing “Our unconditional Love, Our unconditional Care” Let us reduce this Suicide Epidemic by just showing one another or even strangers, we Truly “Love, Hope And Care…”

Dr. Sonia MBBS.MD, Psychiatrist, Manipal is a senior Psychiatrist and promoting health cause of the nation for long period through NGO activities.