The World Suicide Prevention Day was observed on 10th September, this year. Growing up, I had so many misconceptions about suicide. When I was young, I was told and I heard from others, it's the deed of Satan, only cowards commit suicide, only crazy people commit suicide, only losers commit suicide.
Now that I am older, I am aware of some of the factors which makes someone take such drastic step. Depression, substance abuse, hormonal reasons, post-traumatic stress disorders and several others.
There are so many stigmas attached around suicide, no wonder there are families who try to hide such incidents (suicide attempts) or cover up suicide deaths. I remember an old story, a family declared their daughter's death as a case of cardiac arrest although she never had a history of heart problems, no postmortem was done, even though some of the mourners suggested, adding more to their misery, gossip mills spread the news that a suicide note was found near her bed. Whatever, the case was, I hope the family and her soul are at peace now.
Our Naga society needs sensitization on matters concerning prevention of suicide and the stigmas around it. The importance of counselling for the families who lost their loved ones due to suicide should be part of the awareness.
At the end of the day, considering help, asking for help, seeking help, taking help regarding one's mental, emotional, physical needs should not be considered as a matter of weakness but rather a part of wellbeing.
You Are Loved.
