- Today on the World Suicide Prevention day, I recall that in past few years the majority of failed attempted suicide cases that I saw were of "Impulsive" Type and most from the age group of 18 to 30 years.
- Impulsive Self Harm means that the attempt was in an "impulse" , "in fit of rage" or "acute anxiety", state of "I dint know what to do right then" . They are usually after a recent altercation, argument with spouse or partner or some family member. It wasn't planned or suicidal thoughts were not lingering in the mind since days as it happens in Depression or Schizophrenia. And most of the patients were glad they were saved and regretted the attempt and refused any wish to die.
- The reasons seemed to be futile to an onlooker, one girl who was recently engaged said she attempted suicide because her to-be sister in law asked her "to make chapatis" on her visit to her fiancee's home which she felt was demeaning to her '"working girl image".
- Another adolescent girl was refused a "touch screen mobile" by her father who couldnt afford it and hence decided to end her life.
- A 20 yr old boy's father refused to send him to play village kabbadi competition and he didnt know how to face his team's wrath, so he consumed poison.
- A girl of 23 slashed her wrist because she thought her boyfriend wasn't giving her enough attention.
- Although these were failed attempts, there must be scores of others who weren't lucky enough and died. A person who has attempted suicide once is at higher risk than normal population to attempt another suicide.
- Instead of stigmatizing, loathing , critisizing such young people for the attempt, we all need to be able to empathize with them and rather seek help for them to address the underlying cause of their attempt that are-
- INTENSE EMOTIONAL INSTABILITY
- IRRATIONAL THOUGHT
- IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOUR
- The "coping mechanisms" of such young people in view of stress can be improved and we can prevent another attempt by the same person which may unfortunately become successful.
So lets speak up, reach out and help to heal.
#suicide #suicideprevention #worldsuicidepreventionday #suicidehelp
