Suicide Prevention: A minute of your life can save someone else's

New Delhi: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 800,000 people die by suicide around the world each year – that’s one person every 40 seconds.

The intention of committing this lethal act stems from a disturbed mental state – risk factors like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and substance abuse, including alcoholism and use of benzodiazepines can also be responsible.

Suicide is a major cause of premature death and it is fortunately preventable. This is why September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).

Organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the purpose of WSPD is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.

The theme of the WSPD 2017 is 'Take a Minute, Change a Life' – to make people aware that communities have an important role to play in supporting those who are vulnerable and prevent the worst from taking place.

The theme further helps people understand that it is our responsibility to look out for those who may be struggling and assure them that you're there if they want to express themselves. Offering a gentle word of support and listening in a non-judgemental way can go a long way.

Sadly, we all are so caught up in our own lives, that the despair and distress of others can easily be overlooked. WSPD asks you not to be that person.

Even a simple question like, 'Are you okay?' can make all the difference in the world to someone who is pondering suicide – all it takes is a minute.

Many people are often reluctant to intervene, even if they know that a person is clearly struggling, mostly out of fear of not knowing what to say or tell them.

The point being pushed is that, while the hesitance is understandable, no one has to have all the answers. Suicide is a sensitive, difficult topic to approach, but just offering a shoulder to cry on and simply listening can help someone immensely.

As per the IASP, people who have lived through a suicide attempt have much to teach us about how the words and actions of others are important. They often talk movingly about reaching the point where they could see no alternative but to take their own life, and about the days, hours and minutes leading up to this.

They often describe realising that they did not want to die but instead wanted someone to intervene and stop them. Many say that they actively sought someone who would sense their despair and ask them whether they were okay.

Sometimes they say that they made a pact with themselves that if someone did ask if they were okay, they would tell them everything and allow them to intervene. Sadly, they often reflect that no one asked.

At the same time, the WSPD program also encourages those battling mental health problems to confide, to communicate their problems, thereby assuring them that help is always available once you take that step.