Suicide as a result of depression kills a large number every year, a high percentage of whom are young adults and teenagers. What can be done?
As an ex-professor at an engineering college with nearly two decades of connection with young students, my heart is aching as I write this. Today the rate of suicide is more than ever in India.
In recent times, deaths due to suicide have become alarming – the main thing to be noted is that most of those who attempt suicide are young students in their late teens or young adults.
I am much worried about all of this, that I often see in my students, and I would like to use my experience as a teacher to help them.
Here are 10 simple ways to improve mental health and to avoid the kind of depression that makes you think of suicide.
You should talk to anyone you trust. Believe that you’re not alone; many of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. Feeling suicidal is not a character defect, and it doesn’t mean that you are crazy, or weak, or flawed. Have assurance that with time and support, you can overcome your problems and the pain and suicidal feelings too.
Researchers say nature could be the key to big mind-body benefits. Enjoy Nature. It may make to know that all your problems are smaller compared to the mightiest of Nature. Do Gardening. Walk along the beach. Sit in the cool breeze. Certainly Nature would heal all your wounds.
Most of us love music. Music certainly calms our mind and makes us happy. Music reduces stress and anxiety. Music decreases pain. You can either listen to music or compose yourself. Dance with music. Paint to the music.
Science has shown that your mind and body benefits from taking time out of your daily life to slow down and meditate.
The benefits of meditation and Yoga are endless. It leads to a deeper level of relaxation. Reduces anxiety attacks. Join in Yoga classes. Meditate for 20 minutes daily.
Kindness makes us happier. Kindness makes for better relationships. Kindness help to fewer negative emotions and better coping mentality. Perform some Random Acts of Kindness ( RAK ) everyday.
Affirmation or Self Talk is the shifting of thoughts resulting from negative, dirty, and harsh experiences or ideas to a more positive note. They are an expression or idea that is repeated, used to impress the subconscious with a thought that motivates you, remind you of your talents and provide the confidence you need to accomplish goals.
Regular use of positive affirmations can help change your attitude, behaviors and habits.
Writing a journal is like writing letters or diaries as in ancient tradition. The benefits of writing are
Above all, trust in GOD. It gives you faith, confidence. Trusting in GOD will guide you in correct path when you are in trouble.
Family is great moral support to anybody. Get guidance and help from your family members. Play, dance, and eat together.
Pets are good source of energy and love to all. Bath your do. Play with your cats. Enjoy walk with your pets. It heals your stressed mind and makes you calm.
If you are depressed, get proper consultation with a psychiatrist. Try to follow the treatment and medication as prescribed. Have patience.
If you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal, here are some of the helplines available in India. Please call.
Aasra, Mumbai: 022-27546669
Sneha, Chennai: 044-2464 0050
Lifeline, Kolkata: 033-2474 4704
Sahai, Bangalore: 080–25497777
Roshni, Hyderabad: 040-66202000, 040-66202001
Become a premium user on Women’s Web and get access to exclusive content for women, plus useful Women’s Web events and resources in your city.
Published here earlier.
Image source: wikicommons
I am V. Vasantha. Later Vasantha Vallinaygam during my college days and before marriage. Now I am Vasantha Vivek since my hubby Vivek likes this. I am a happy woman, daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher, read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, indivisual posts do not necessarily represent the platofrom's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Netflix’s ‘House Of Secrets: The Burari Deaths’ dwells into the shocking death of an entire family of 11 in one night. It throws light on gender roles, superstitions & mental health in Indian households.
(Trigger Warning: This story delves into a documentary about alleged suicide/murder and may be triggering. Spoilers ahead).
Directed by Leena Yadav and Anubhav Chopra, Netflix’s latest three-episode documentary ‘House of secrets: The Burari Deaths’ traces what happened with the Bhatia family in 2018. On a usual summer morning, 11 members of the same family were found suspiciously hanging from the roof in the suburb of Burari. Later it was concluded to be an occult ritual gone wrong.
By the time I arrived home I was a tearful wreck. I finally told my sister. She could understand. Should we tell Bhau, our brother? No, she said. “What if he comes with you and gets into a fight with that man?”
Some places just stick in ones head just as some faces do. One such place was Hotel ‘No Name’.
Netflix and other media platforms often lean towards sensational, attention-grabbing programming. As in the case of 13 Reasons Why, however, the real life effects can be devastating. Isn’t it time we demanded more accountability from the media?
When the first seasons of 13 Reasons Why premiered in 2017, there were concerns that the show romanticized suicide. In fact, the suicide of the lead character, Hannah Baker, was portrayed graphically; leading experts to question if the series actually did more harm than good.
India's teen suicide rates are alarming, especially around board exam results. Here is an exploration of what might be behind those stats.
India’s teen suicide rates are alarming, especially around board exam results. Here is an exploration of what might be behind those stats.
Driving my daughter to college one morning, the radio was on. She was then in her first year of engineering, having arrived there straight out of school, rather than via PUC. So she was enjoying the freedom of being ‘out of uniform’ for the first time. Our conversation over the ad breaks was about RV College of Engineering deciding to introduce uniforms. The students were actively protesting this move. My daughter was worried that if the RV management got away with it, her college too might consider doing the same.