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Aasra in Mumbai mirror- myths and Facts of Suicide
#SuicidePreventionFortnight1to15Sept #WorldSuicidePreventionDay10thSept
#Aasra24x7HelplineFortheDepressedAndSuicidal912227546669TALK
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Facts-and-myths-about-suicide/movie-review/43790795.cms
#Aasra24x7HelplineFortheDepressedAndSuicidal912227546669TALK
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Facts-and-myths-about-suicide/movie-review/43790795.cms
Movie Reviews
Facts and myths about suicide Movie Review
Mumbai Mirror, Mar 23, 2015, 12.00AM IST
The World Health Organisation (WHO)'s first global report on suicide prevention is an alarming one. With approximately 800,000 persons dying from suicide globally every year, it means that there is one death every 40 seconds.
Back home, Thomas Johnson, founder of Aasra, a suicide prevention helpline, says, they receive 55 to 60 calls every day. More try to reach out through e-mails and social media. "One of every three suicides takes place in India, making us the suicide capital of the world." Their call volumes increase from December to July. This is the exam to result period when students are under immense pressure, says Thomas. Also, winter in general is another peak period.
Yet, there is little information available on suicide, while myths add to the confusion. We get experts to present facts and clarify misconceptions.
FACT
In developing nations, suicide is more prevalent than AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined
Unbelievable, but true. Dr Ajit Dandekar, Consulting Psychiatrist at Nanavati Hospital blames it on our fast changing society. "Loneliness has increased. Most families are turning nuclear, which is further disintegrated with the spouse or children moving away for studies and jobs. Some families meet only over weekends or once a month," he says. And although we know many more people today, thanks to the reach of social media, we hardly have any emotional ties with them. "And this 'pseudo connect' with people lacks human interaction. We are losing the warmth, sharing and support required for social existence," adds Dr Dandekar. Stress is another contributing factor to the rising numbers of suicides and depression. "Everyone is part of a rat race,"says Dr Manoj Bhatawdekar, consulting psychiatrist at Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. "The self- esteem of a person is equated with the marks in exams or the financial position in society. There is a tremendous rise in materialism and little time devoted to self-development."
MYTH
Better paying jobs means more health and happiness Over the last few years, we have started to cater to an international clientele and most of us work long or odd hours. "This alters the bio rhythm and leads to changes in emotional patterns," explains Dr Dandekar. "We are imitating the West by consuming foods that are not meant to suit our bodies in these climatic conditions. All this harms the emotional health of an individual."
FACT Youth are prone to suicide The young and the restless is not a myth. It's the truth of our times. To add to this, over indulgence is becoming a part of our existence. "We don't take disappointment in good stride. We give children things even before they ask for it. Sharing isn't practised, they are used to separate TVs, toilets, telephones. This makes the young more ego centric and less accommodative. Parents bribe their children to make them do things without understanding ability," says Dr Dandekar.
According to Dr Bhatawdekar, "Besides, parents have become over aware and unduly concerned about the child's academic performance. They also feel guilty for not being able to spend enough time with their children."
MYTH Elders are more secure With rising cost of living, more and more elders are becoming financially very insecure. They are constantly worried if they can make do with limited sources. The empty nest syndrome is another cause of depression among them. "Most of them who are suffering from physical health issues often fear loneliness and suffering," says Thomas.
FACT Women are emotionally stronger than men The WHO report suggests that the ratio of men to women committing suicide is 2:1. "This is mainly because women don't internalise the problem. They are better communicators and often seek social and professional help. Men, on the other hand, tend to take refuge in alcohol, smoking, and playing cards rather than seeking professional help," says Dr Dandekar. In our society, boys are raised differently. Them crying is not accepted as manly. "They lack in communication skills. Besides, male ego is fragile, and is likely to be hurt more easily and more often," he says. That apart, as Dr Bhatawdekar points out, men tend to use lethal means of attempting suicides than women, which is also why the number of successfully committed suicides are more in men.
MYTH Barking dogs don't bite Suicide attempt is a plea for help. Acknowledge that behind every successful suicide, there have been several failed attempts. Never treat it as an attention seeking behaviour prima facie because even if it was hysterical behaviour, recognise that the victim requires professional help. "About 90 per cent of depression is curable through medicines, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive (shock) therapy and there is nothing wrong with them," says Dr Dandekar.
FACT There is less than one psychiatrist per 100,000 people It has to be ingrained into the minds of children that mental illnesses are real because the mind is a tangible part of our body. There is nothing wrong about having mental problems just as there is nothing wrong with common cold, says Dr Dandekar.
Occupational therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists must be available at offices and schools for ease of access and regular psychological screening and panel discussions must be conducted. "Even medical practitioners need to become more equipped to diagnose and refer depression to psychiatrists," asserts Dr Bhatawdekar.
By Nasrin Modak Siddiqi
Back home, Thomas Johnson, founder of Aasra, a suicide prevention helpline, says, they receive 55 to 60 calls every day. More try to reach out through e-mails and social media. "One of every three suicides takes place in India, making us the suicide capital of the world." Their call volumes increase from December to July. This is the exam to result period when students are under immense pressure, says Thomas. Also, winter in general is another peak period.
Yet, there is little information available on suicide, while myths add to the confusion. We get experts to present facts and clarify misconceptions.
FACT
In developing nations, suicide is more prevalent than AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined
Unbelievable, but true. Dr Ajit Dandekar, Consulting Psychiatrist at Nanavati Hospital blames it on our fast changing society. "Loneliness has increased. Most families are turning nuclear, which is further disintegrated with the spouse or children moving away for studies and jobs. Some families meet only over weekends or once a month," he says. And although we know many more people today, thanks to the reach of social media, we hardly have any emotional ties with them. "And this 'pseudo connect' with people lacks human interaction. We are losing the warmth, sharing and support required for social existence," adds Dr Dandekar. Stress is another contributing factor to the rising numbers of suicides and depression. "Everyone is part of a rat race,"says Dr Manoj Bhatawdekar, consulting psychiatrist at Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. "The self- esteem of a person is equated with the marks in exams or the financial position in society. There is a tremendous rise in materialism and little time devoted to self-development."
MYTH
Better paying jobs means more health and happiness Over the last few years, we have started to cater to an international clientele and most of us work long or odd hours. "This alters the bio rhythm and leads to changes in emotional patterns," explains Dr Dandekar. "We are imitating the West by consuming foods that are not meant to suit our bodies in these climatic conditions. All this harms the emotional health of an individual."
FACT Youth are prone to suicide The young and the restless is not a myth. It's the truth of our times. To add to this, over indulgence is becoming a part of our existence. "We don't take disappointment in good stride. We give children things even before they ask for it. Sharing isn't practised, they are used to separate TVs, toilets, telephones. This makes the young more ego centric and less accommodative. Parents bribe their children to make them do things without understanding ability," says Dr Dandekar.
According to Dr Bhatawdekar, "Besides, parents have become over aware and unduly concerned about the child's academic performance. They also feel guilty for not being able to spend enough time with their children."
MYTH Elders are more secure With rising cost of living, more and more elders are becoming financially very insecure. They are constantly worried if they can make do with limited sources. The empty nest syndrome is another cause of depression among them. "Most of them who are suffering from physical health issues often fear loneliness and suffering," says Thomas.
FACT Women are emotionally stronger than men The WHO report suggests that the ratio of men to women committing suicide is 2:1. "This is mainly because women don't internalise the problem. They are better communicators and often seek social and professional help. Men, on the other hand, tend to take refuge in alcohol, smoking, and playing cards rather than seeking professional help," says Dr Dandekar. In our society, boys are raised differently. Them crying is not accepted as manly. "They lack in communication skills. Besides, male ego is fragile, and is likely to be hurt more easily and more often," he says. That apart, as Dr Bhatawdekar points out, men tend to use lethal means of attempting suicides than women, which is also why the number of successfully committed suicides are more in men.
MYTH Barking dogs don't bite Suicide attempt is a plea for help. Acknowledge that behind every successful suicide, there have been several failed attempts. Never treat it as an attention seeking behaviour prima facie because even if it was hysterical behaviour, recognise that the victim requires professional help. "About 90 per cent of depression is curable through medicines, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive (shock) therapy and there is nothing wrong with them," says Dr Dandekar.
FACT There is less than one psychiatrist per 100,000 people It has to be ingrained into the minds of children that mental illnesses are real because the mind is a tangible part of our body. There is nothing wrong about having mental problems just as there is nothing wrong with common cold, says Dr Dandekar.
Occupational therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists must be available at offices and schools for ease of access and regular psychological screening and panel discussions must be conducted. "Even medical practitioners need to become more equipped to diagnose and refer depression to psychiatrists," asserts Dr Bhatawdekar.
By Nasrin Modak Siddiqi
Aasra in Times Of India, Pune Mirror, Bangalore Mirror Sept 2015
#SuicidePreventionFortnight1to15Sept #WorldSuicidePreventionDay10thSept
#Aasra24x7HelplineFortheDepressedAndSuicidal912227546669TALK
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/Students-seek-out-helplines-to-ease-woes/articleshow/46434649.cms
Students seek out helplines to ease woes
RELATED
Navi Mumbai: When Nilikesh Sachdev, a Class X student needed guidance to tide over board examinations, he knew his parents would be of little help. The parental pressure to fare well was giving him sleepless nights. A classmate told him about the board helpline. "I called them and they made me look at the exams objectively," he said. While he admits that the stress has not vanished, the chat helped ease things.
At Koparkhairane's Aasra Centre, a team of around twenty volunteers counsel around 60 students a day. "We get the maximum amount of calls from January to July. Our volunteers work in shifts to man the lines," said founder Johnson Thomas. He added that they get a lot of calls from students contemplating suicide "The solution is to talk them out of it and help them get rid of the idea that suicide is a solution," he said.
While exam time might be a worrisome period for students, it is also a busy time for counsellors at these helpline centres. Around 100 students call everyday at the Vashi board helpline. "The board helpline runs from 8am-8 pm and the maximum work involves calming the students," said counsellor Mukesh Dangat. He added that parents need to ease up a bit.
At Koparkhairane's Aasra Centre, a team of around twenty volunteers counsel around 60 students a day. "We get the maximum amount of calls from January to July. Our volunteers work in shifts to man the lines," said founder Johnson Thomas. He added that they get a lot of calls from students contemplating suicide "The solution is to talk them out of it and help them get rid of the idea that suicide is a solution," he said.
While exam time might be a worrisome period for students, it is also a busy time for counsellors at these helpline centres. Around 100 students call everyday at the Vashi board helpline. "The board helpline runs from 8am-8 pm and the maximum work involves calming the students," said counsellor Mukesh Dangat. He added that parents need to ease up a bit.
Article mentioning AASRA in Mumbai Mirror,IndiaTimes
#SuicidePreventionFortnight1to15Sept #WorldSuicidePreventionDay10thSept
#Aasra24x7HelplineFortheDepressedAndSuicidal912227546669TALK
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Dealing-with-the-death-itch/articleshow/40256494.cms
#Aasra24x7HelplineFortheDepressedAndSuicidal912227546669TALK
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/Dealing-with-the-death-itch/articleshow/40256494.cms
Dealing with the death itch
RELATED
What can you see when a suicidal thought is at its overpowering best? Top city psychiatrists on the immediate plan of action.
When star comedian Robin Williams ended his life at his Marin County home on Monday, it once again became evident that the veteran had been battling depression for a decade. Williams is a face, a famous one, of a silent epidemic sweeping the world. According to estimates by the World Health Organisation, a life is lost to suicide every 40 seconds. India-specific figures are just as gloomy.
Crisis intervention centre Aasra says suicide is one of top three causes of death among Indians aged 15 to 35. Almost 1 lakh people commit suicide every year in the country. Mumbai loses three lives to suicide every day, and Navi Mumbai, two a week.
"Suicide is a last call for help from those who realise that traditional support systems have failed for them. They block out people from their lives, one by one. There comes a point when they stand isolated," says Johnson Thomas, director and co-founder of Aasra. The NGO runs a suicide prevention hotline and most of the calls it receives are from those who are at what experts call stage one - this is when they have just about begun to experience dark thoughts. More extreme stages involve exploring methods to end their lives, and planning how. A majority of Aasra's callers are aged 15 to 45.
Mirror spoke with four counsellors on effective ways to combat the first sign of suicidal thoughts.
STEP OUT INTO A PUBLIC PLACE
Dr Kersi Chavda, Hinduja Hospital
The first rule is not to be alone. Get out of the house. Mumbai is teeming with people. Once you are in public space, it's impossible to feel isolated. It's an instant way to distract yourself. You are less likely to do something impulsive in the midst of a crowd. If you have family around, share with them what you are feeling, and encourage them to call for help. You needn't have a professional counsellor on speed dial. Even if you contact your neighbourhood GP, s/he will help you reach the right person. It can't be a friend trying to talk you out of this. You need a medically trained counsellor. Suicide moves from an occasional idea to a common one. Then it begins expressing itself all the time. It nudges you to prepare for it by acquiring implements that will aid the act. These are markers. If you experience them, seek help.
IMAGINE A BLINKING RED TRAFFIC LIGHT
Varkha Chulani, Lilavati Hospital
I'd categorise the suicidal into two - those who've held on to hopeless feelings and planned their suicide, and two, those who panic and act impulsively to avoid the terrible that they imagine will happen. The first must evoke a pleasant memory from their past. It could be something that meant a great deal to you. The minute the mind evokes a pleasant picture, a dark thought is pushed to rung two. This serves as an immediate distraction and is a temporary solution. The second should imagine a blinking red traffic light as a preventive signal each time they are haunted by a negative thought. They could make a call to someone close, head out for a walk or take a shower. Indulge in an act that for the moment takes you away from the thought. The eventual move has to be to reach out to a psychiatrist.
SPEAK TO THE ONE WHO HAS HURT YOU
Dr Yusuf Matcheswalla, JJ Hospital
Looking out for markers is the most important step you can take for yourself. A disrupted sleep pattern, situations where you find yourself easily reduced to tears, the feeling that the future is bleak — these are clear signs. Don't add to the burden by taking rash decisions. These include quitting your job or ending a relationship. Next, initiate an open dialogue with those you believe have hurt you. It could be your boss, ex-wife, boyfriend, best buddy. When you speak about an issue, you break it down into components. It leads to the realisation that you may have been magnifying it. Helplines are an immediate resource but not the solution. A credible and trained counsellor is your most effective solution.
PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL
Dr Pavan Sonar, Sanjeevani Hospital
Isolation leads to rumination, and encourages dismal thoughts. Speaking to someone, even if it is a stranger who is trained to help on a suicide prevention helpline, works momentarily. It works because if it's someone you don't know, and therefore, you're getting a non-judgmental opinion. The idea of a crisis intervention centre is to let a person vent. Alternatively, feel free to walk into a counselling centre, like the one at Parel's KEM Hospital. The act of making an appointment sometimes is enough deterrence. Make sure you stay away from any intoxicant. It only accelerates the low.
When star comedian Robin Williams ended his life at his Marin County home on Monday, it once again became evident that the veteran had been battling depression for a decade. Williams is a face, a famous one, of a silent epidemic sweeping the world. According to estimates by the World Health Organisation, a life is lost to suicide every 40 seconds. India-specific figures are just as gloomy.
Crisis intervention centre Aasra says suicide is one of top three causes of death among Indians aged 15 to 35. Almost 1 lakh people commit suicide every year in the country. Mumbai loses three lives to suicide every day, and Navi Mumbai, two a week.
"Suicide is a last call for help from those who realise that traditional support systems have failed for them. They block out people from their lives, one by one. There comes a point when they stand isolated," says Johnson Thomas, director and co-founder of Aasra. The NGO runs a suicide prevention hotline and most of the calls it receives are from those who are at what experts call stage one - this is when they have just about begun to experience dark thoughts. More extreme stages involve exploring methods to end their lives, and planning how. A majority of Aasra's callers are aged 15 to 45.
Mirror spoke with four counsellors on effective ways to combat the first sign of suicidal thoughts.
STEP OUT INTO A PUBLIC PLACE
Dr Kersi Chavda, Hinduja Hospital
The first rule is not to be alone. Get out of the house. Mumbai is teeming with people. Once you are in public space, it's impossible to feel isolated. It's an instant way to distract yourself. You are less likely to do something impulsive in the midst of a crowd. If you have family around, share with them what you are feeling, and encourage them to call for help. You needn't have a professional counsellor on speed dial. Even if you contact your neighbourhood GP, s/he will help you reach the right person. It can't be a friend trying to talk you out of this. You need a medically trained counsellor. Suicide moves from an occasional idea to a common one. Then it begins expressing itself all the time. It nudges you to prepare for it by acquiring implements that will aid the act. These are markers. If you experience them, seek help.
IMAGINE A BLINKING RED TRAFFIC LIGHT
Varkha Chulani, Lilavati Hospital
I'd categorise the suicidal into two - those who've held on to hopeless feelings and planned their suicide, and two, those who panic and act impulsively to avoid the terrible that they imagine will happen. The first must evoke a pleasant memory from their past. It could be something that meant a great deal to you. The minute the mind evokes a pleasant picture, a dark thought is pushed to rung two. This serves as an immediate distraction and is a temporary solution. The second should imagine a blinking red traffic light as a preventive signal each time they are haunted by a negative thought. They could make a call to someone close, head out for a walk or take a shower. Indulge in an act that for the moment takes you away from the thought. The eventual move has to be to reach out to a psychiatrist.
SPEAK TO THE ONE WHO HAS HURT YOU
Dr Yusuf Matcheswalla, JJ Hospital
Looking out for markers is the most important step you can take for yourself. A disrupted sleep pattern, situations where you find yourself easily reduced to tears, the feeling that the future is bleak — these are clear signs. Don't add to the burden by taking rash decisions. These include quitting your job or ending a relationship. Next, initiate an open dialogue with those you believe have hurt you. It could be your boss, ex-wife, boyfriend, best buddy. When you speak about an issue, you break it down into components. It leads to the realisation that you may have been magnifying it. Helplines are an immediate resource but not the solution. A credible and trained counsellor is your most effective solution.
PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL
Dr Pavan Sonar, Sanjeevani Hospital
Isolation leads to rumination, and encourages dismal thoughts. Speaking to someone, even if it is a stranger who is trained to help on a suicide prevention helpline, works momentarily. It works because if it's someone you don't know, and therefore, you're getting a non-judgmental opinion. The idea of a crisis intervention centre is to let a person vent. Alternatively, feel free to walk into a counselling centre, like the one at Parel's KEM Hospital. The act of making an appointment sometimes is enough deterrence. Make sure you stay away from any intoxicant. It only accelerates the low.
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