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Developing suicidal thoughts and behaviours has emerged as a major concern across the globe. Suicidal thoughts are a distressing reality for many people and are quite prevalent among the younger generation. Developing suicidal tendencies has become a significant health issue as well. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in every 40 seconds, a person commits suicide. Annually, approximately 8,00,000 people die by suicide, especially the younger generation. There are various factors contributing to this global issue. However, the stigma around mental health prevents people from having an open conversation.
It is essential to address the issue by promoting awareness and reducing the stigma. If you or someone you know is struggling with such thoughts, it is crucial to understand that recovery from such a situation is possible and help is available for the same.
On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we bring you the 10 most important and helpful things that doctors want the younger generation to know and understand.
10 things that doctors want the younger generation to understand
Mental health is similar to physical health:
Mental health is similar to physical health and it must be well-maintained at any cost. A healthy mind allows one to handle stress and deal with the challenges. Thus, it is crucial to prioritize mental well-being. Neglecting mental health may lead to emotional as well as physical issues. Degraded mental condition may lead to depression, increase anxiety and cause other mental health issues. When ignored for a long time, this can cause social isolation, strained relationships and ultimately develop suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours are temporary:
It is essential to understand that suicidal thoughts are temporary. With proper treatment and help, one can get over such feelings. Such thoughts are symptoms of deeper psychological or emotional pain, and they don't define a person. Time heals such emotional suffering and a person gets over such thoughts.
You are not alone:
People with depression are likely to cause self-harm and harm others too. Youths in depression prefer to remain in isolation which is when they develop the thought to harm themselves. Generally, people come across moments that leave them broken emotionally. Feeling overwhelmed is quite likely in such situations. However, it is crucial to know that you are not alone. Millions of people are there across the globe who face similar situations and develop similar thoughts. There is a community that understands such conditions of individuals and they can help to overcome the situation.
It's perfectly fine to express your thoughts with others:
Opening up about your thoughts to others, whom you trust can also help a lot. Trustworthy friends and family members can help to overcome the situation with their emotional support after you express your thoughts.
Seek professional help:
Even a mental health professional can help in such situations with expert guidance. It is not wise to wait for things to take an ugly turn. Seek advice from a therapist, counsellor, or doctor before such thoughts become unbearable. Their expert guidance can help you to navigate through the storm.
Mental health treatment and medication:
Seek mental health treatment, therapy and medication from experts to overcome the situation. You can lead a fulfilling life after complete recovery.
Changing lifestyle:
Lifestyle can be an important factor impacting mental health negatively. A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, meditation and social connections can improve your lifestyle in a positive way. Avoiding substance abuse (drug, alcohol), processed food or sugar and self-criticism or negative self-talk. Introducing these small changes in lifestyle can have a significant impact on life.
Your worth is beyond your struggles:
It is important to realise self-value. Your worth and identity are beyond your struggles. Struggling is not a sign of weakness, but rather strength. Struggling is a part of everyone's life and there are ups and downs. So, dealing with struggles courageously defines your self-worth.
Social media can distort real life:
Everything you see on social media is not true. Mostly, people showcase the best parts of their lives. Even the profiles can be manipulated and distorted. So, don't compare your life with the curated life of others. Focus on your life and don't get biased with the fake claims on social media.
There's always hope:
The situation may seem to be dark sometimes. But, there is always a beam of light in the dark. Feelings and temporary and the time will pass. Sometimes, it may seem like the situation may never improve but change is possible. There are many people around who have overcome such situations with nothing but only hope.
