Why do people commit suicide? The answer to this question varies from person to person. If we were to ask people in our society this question, many would attribute it to the individual being under immense mental stress. Subsequently, they would ponder the concept that suicide is not a viable solution.
When the news of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide first broke, many questioned, “What more could he have wanted?” Despite possessing wealth, fame, and a family, why would he resort to such an act? Why didn’t anyone understand him? Poor man, he must have been so lonely, and so on. Following this incident, there was a brief surge of discussions about mental health issues on Facebook. The majority opinion was that mental stress or problems should not be dismissed lightly. Having a mental health problem does not equate to being insane. Some advocated for open and honest conversations about mental health, without stigma. If you observe someone in your surroundings who appears lonely, depressed, or hopeless, they suggested taking the initiative to connect with them and offer support.
Let’s find ways to overcome stress. In today’s world, depression is a very common term. While people are expected to be optimistic, depression has become an integral part of daily life. People don’t need significant reasons to feel depressed. If a child doesn’t perform well in an exam, the entire family becomes disheartened. If there’s a conflict with a colleague or a superior at work, the entire career seems bleak. Phrases like ‘I’ll quit my job and go abroad’ are common, but the reality is that people still go to work the next day. When a child doesn’t listen or eat, mothers feel depressed and wonder what to do. Even when a dish doesn’t turn out well, it can lead to feelings of disappointment.
These are not genuine cases of depression. However, amidst these trivial instances of sadness, people who are truly depressed withdraw into themselves. In the context of depression, it’s important to mention mood swings, especially in women. We are quite familiar with mood swings in today’s world, and women experience them more frequently. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause are common causes of depression in women.
This can even happen before, after, or throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Feeling sad for no reason, crying at any time, sudden outbursts of uncontrollable anger, followed by intense remorse, and feeling overwhelmed by despair are all symptoms of mood swings. Now, let’s get to the main point. Until now, I’ve been discussing the factors that contribute to suicide. Now, let’s talk about our role in the suicides of others. Let’s start at the very root: the family. After a son or daughter from a family commits suicide, we often hear parents say, “We didn’t even know.”
If parents don’t understand their children, who will? How is it that parents are unaware of the immense mental pressure their children are under? The question is, for those parents who say these things, perhaps someone in their own home is slowly deteriorating. Maybe their son is worried about poor grades but they don’t know. Perhaps their daughter is unhappy in her marriage but is keeping quiet out of respect for them. One day, this same son might jump from a six-story building, saying, “I’m a failure. I’ll never amount to anything.
This girl will one day say, “I can’t bear this burden anymore. Please forgive me.” She will take a sleeping pill and fall asleep forever. So, try to understand the people very close to you. Give your brother, sister, son or daughter a chance to open up.
Always adapt, don’t accept, sometimes give importance to his words. Be a friend and stand by. Because no one thinks of ending themselves until their backs are against the wall. When life seems miserable, people want to escape from it. He who leaves is gone, but you can neither fill his place with someone else, nor can you forget him. Lest the two tears that roll down the corner of your eyes once you think of him make you guilty to yourself.
