Sept 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide is intricate and tragic, but it is avoidable. What drives so many individuals to take their own lives.

Suicide is a major public health concern and one of the leading cause of death overall. Suicide is intentionally causing one’s own death. Whereas attempted suicide is an effort to take one’s life that does not end in death, rather self-injury. Suicidal behaviour is complex, and there is no single cause. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that roughly 800 000 people die by suicide every year. Furthermore, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts.

Suicidal feelings are common, and many people experience them when they are stressed or suffering from depression. In most instance, these feelings are temporary and can be treated, but risk arises when people literally attempt or complete suicide.

Generally, people try to materialize suicide idea when a person physiologically not able to cope with an overwhelming situation. Many different aspects contribute to person’s suicide attempt. The most common noticed risk factors for suicide are psychiatric disorders, genetics, abuse, family and social situations. Psychiatric disorders play an important role in the increased risk of suicide.

Usually people with suicide idea keep their thoughts and feelings secret and show no signs about it. Understanding the warning signs of suicide and getting timely help can save lives. But people most at risk tend to give some type of verbal or behavioural message about ideation of suicide like being restless or anxious, consuming drugs or more alcohol than usual, engaging in risky behaviour like careless driving, increased isolation, expressing regret about being alive, self-criticism and saying goodbye to others as if it were the last time.

A suicidal person may not ask for help, but definitely they are in need of support. Literally speaking people who take their lives don’t want to die—they just want to stop hurting. Family and friends are the people who can notice symptoms of suicidal ideation of the person through their speech or behaviour.

Suicide prevention and treatments depends on patient’s risk factors.  But can be successfully treated or managed with medications and counselling. The most common techniques is psychotherapy that is, talking to the person and giving appropriate support. Commitment, sensitivity, knowledge and concern for another human being, a faith that life is worth nurturing can help to prevent suicide. Apart from this, increased education and awareness to medical professionals might also aid in helping the patients to overcome suicidal thoughts.

Suicides are preventable – Effective preventive measures

• Restricting access to means of suicide
• Responsible media reporting
• Introducing alcohol policies
• School-based interventions
• Follow-up care and community support
• Training of health workers in early identification and treatment

D A Kalpaja
Chairperson, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre,
#82, Nallurahalli, Whitefield, Bangalore – 560 066
+91-80-49069000 Extn:1147/1366

The post What we can do to prevent suicide? appeared first on Health Vision.

Wisdom from Diwali festival – Diwali is one of the most valued festivals of India. The significance of Diwali is the victory of good over evil or the devastation of all negative qualities – ferocity, irritation, fear, jealousy, greed, etc, to embrace more positivity. Let’s pay attention to the true meaning of Diwali and run-through some key values that can play a significant role in shaping the daily lifestyle.

Eliminate darkness and convey brightness in our life.

People light diyas and lamps to remove darkness of the night and dispel the darkness of soul. This reminds us to kindle inner light, which protects us from spiritual darkness. But it should be noted, to limit the use of cheap plastic decorative items. These are not eco-friendly and cannot be disposed-off post-Diwali. So buy earthen lamps or diyas and avoid using plastic decorative electric lights. Lighting earthen lamps is a symbolic representation of kindling the divinity within us.

Remove negativity to bring positivity in our life.

We clean our home to welcome the goddess Laxmi as it is believed that the Goddess will enter our home and bring good fortune. All dirty things and rubbish are removed from the houses. That means we should cleans our heart by burning ego, hatred, anger and greed, so that God can live in our heart.

Discipline

Diwali usually starts with the Brahmamuhurta (around 4:00 a.m).  This hours of the morning are said to be the ideal time for improving efficiency, procuring knowledge, attaining moral discipline, developing physical and mental health, and thereby attaining professional and personal success.

Humility and patience

Lord Rama was always an example of perfect son to his parents, ideal protector of Dharma and an ideal of morality. We should take motivation from lord Rama not only for his tolerance but also for living a life of dharma and virtue. We also pray to lord Hanuman for giving the strength to stick to dharma despite any difficulty and odds.

Improve social life

During festival visiting friends and family and sharing the holiday improves our social life. It always gives the sense of warmth and togetherness. This adds lot of joy and festivity in the air.

At the outset, the duty of an individual is to understand moral, economic, psychological and spiritual values. These are also considered to be the basic objects of human pursuit. Remember to celebrate green Diwali and use fireworks that do not make whole lot of noise and pollution.

Mrs. D.A. Kalpaja
Chairperson
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre 

The post Wisdom from Diwali festival appeared first on Health Vision.