Hi, young friends! 

Most of you must have heard or come across news or seen people around you taking the extreme step of ending their life. You must have felt bad for the person and his or her family. But at that moment you must have also wondered why the person did it. And if he/she could have been stopped. In today's fast-paced world, we're all under immense pressure to perform well in every sphere, be it studies, job, or family life. As such, this pressure leads to stress when one is unable to perform well in any of these fields, thereby prompting one to end his/her life. But ending one's life is not the solution to any of life's problems. Please remember that.

You must be wondering why I'm telling you all this. Well, today is World Suicide Prevention Day and I want you to know that suicidal thoughts can be kept at bay by seeking help. Also, if you think someone might commit suicide or often speaks about committing suicide, do not delay in helping that person by informing your school counsellor or an adult you trust.

Suicide is a major public health problem with social, emotional and economic consequences that needs to be addressed and eradicated. Lack of awareness is one of the main factors contributing to the worldwide rise in suicide rates every year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that there are currently more than 700 000 suicides per year worldwide and each suicide affects many more people. 

In India alone, many students commit suicides. One major cause of suicide among the youth is immense pressure to excel in studies. Rajasthan's Kota, where students from all over the country go to prepare for various competitive entrance exams in order to secure seats in prestigious engineering or medical colleges, has become infamous for student suicides. As per reports, more than 100 young people in the last 10 years died by suicide in Kota. According to a September 7 report, "As many as 23 students have reportedly died by suicide in Kota this year; 15 took the extreme step in 2022, one in 2021, four in 2020, eight in 2019, 12 in 2018, and 10 in 2017." Another report says, "The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported in 2020 that a student took their own life every 42 minutes; or, in other words, 34 students died by suicide every day."

Therefore, it is very important to address this crucial issue. And the best way to do so is to start a conversation about this with parents, school counsellors, teachers, friends, etc. You can start today itself as it's World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). It is observed every year on September 10. The day is dedicated to raise awareness among people about the measures to prevent suicides that are currently increasing at an alarming rate all over the world. This day aims to draw attention to the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organisations, governments, and the public, conveying the message that suicides are preventable. It also serves as a reminder that suicide prevention is a public health priority and urgent action is required to make sure suicide mortality rates are reduced.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The main significance of observing World Suicide Prevention Day is to emphasise on the fact that suicides are preventable, and there are better alternatives to suicide. The aim of the day is to reduce the stigma associated with suicides and to promote a culture where people don't hesitate to seek help.

“Creating Hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023. This theme serves as a potent call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention. By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. It also suggests that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

Here are some suggestions to curb suicidal thoughts and keep an eye on your close ones so that they don't commit suicide:

1. You are not alone.

Always remember that you're not alone and that there are people who care about you, including your parents, school counsellors, teachers, friends, etc. If you are struggling with your mental health, please seek help. You can talk to your school counsellor or a parent or an adult whom you really trust. 

2. Parents, please avoid pressurising! 

I've come across parents who're hellbent on making their child(ren) excel at everything, right from academics to extracurricular activities. Please don't create that pressure and let the child do whatever he/she can. Sometimes a few bad grades are fine. Sometimes losing in sports is fine. Learn to appreciate the child for his/her effort instead of picking flaws and nagging why he/she couldn't get good grades or do well in sports. 

3. Parents, let the child(ren) choose! 

I've also seen parents who don't let the child pick a career/hobby that the child wants to pursue. That's the reason why so many students who don't want to pursue engineering/medical courses end up committing suicide in those engineering/medical colleges, unable to take the pressure because they weren't interested in the course in the first place! 

4. Become aware and stay informed. 

Attend educational workshops, seminars, webinars, and events which raise awareness about suicides and their association with mental health illnesses. Engage with mental health professionals, counsellors, and motivational speakers for healthy discussions. You can also launch awareness campaigns in your neighbourhood or school to make people aware about symptoms, causes, and warning signs of suicide. Distribute flyers, posters, etc. 

5. Lend a helping hand. 

While taking care of yourself, do not forget to help others too. You can organise and support fundraising events for suicide prevention initiatives so that help reaches all the people in need. Listen to experiences of victims of mental health illnesses who have recovered from harbouring suicidal tendencies. This will help in eradicating stigma around suicides.