We lead busy lifestyles and barely get time to sit and actually process our thoughts, which is likely a reason why mental health issues or underlying problems go unassessed. The majority of these occur in underdeveloped and developing countries. These figures are startling, considering that suicide is preventable. Undiagnosed and untreated mental illness is the biggest reason behind the suicide

Every 40 seconds someone takes their own life according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That’s about 800,000 people worldwide every year — although some estimates put that number closer to 1 million. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 29 and for every suicide that results in death, there are as many as 40 attempted suicides. 

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) initiated World Suicide Prevention Day in 2003. The day is co-sponsored by the World Federation for Mental Health and World Health Organization. The aim of the day is to research and collect data on suicidal behavior, determine the various causes and why its signs go unnoticed, and developing sound practices and policies for suicide prevention. 

Dr. Shyam Mithiya, an MD, DPM, MBBS, is a Psychiatrist & Sexologist based out of Mumbai. As a fully medically trained consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Shyam has treated people worldwide and from all walks of life. Armed with a strong background in working for people with all kinds of mental illness and years of clinical experience, Dr. Shyam Mithiya started a private practice, 10 years ago with the goal of helping people all over the world and establishing the best mental health care facility for all.

High-risk cases of suicide

Dr. Shyam Mithiya informs,” Suicide occurs due to a reason 99% due to mental illness. suicide, failure, or illness occurs due to a reason. We need to find reasons behind suicidal tendencies like - 

OCD (obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Anxiety  Schizophrenia  Substance abuse  Mental illness  Depression  Bipolar disorder  Suppression of symptoms due to alcohol and smoking

The problem of suicide increases 3 fold times higher when clubbed with mental illness and drug abuse. Mental illness and drug addiction are lethal and increase the chances of suicide.”

Warning signals and red flags of a suicidal person 

Dr. Shyam Mithiya informs,” There are many signs and symptoms which can indicate suicidal tendency in a person- 

Negative thinking  Cry for help, directly and indirectly, No desire to live  Fantasizing life after death  Talking about death  Feeling helpless  Feeling hopeless  Feeling worthless Lack of positive thinking  Lives in permanent and stagnated condition  Searching on the internet for suicide  Writing on plans for suicide  Attention seeking  Lack of emotional response from family and friends 

Do not ignore signs of suicidal tendency. Thinking that they are attention-seeking should be neglected. Understand them”

Dealing with a suicidal patient 

Dr. Shyam Mithiya informs,” Asking the suicidal patient about their thinking is not a myth. You can directly pose a question to them which can be an ice-breaking conversation as they are vulnerable and want to interact with others. Share your thoughts and emotions which make them feel comfortable and allow them to vent out. The extreme negative thoughts reduce with the conversation. This reduces the risk of mental illness and suicide. We can convince them to share their thoughts with friends, relatives, family, or professionals. This motivates them to improve and gives them a feeling of hope.”

Steps to Prevent suicidal tendency 

Dr. Shyam Mithiya informs,” The Steps to Prevent suicidal tendency are - 

Suicidal helpline number by government  Contact a professional and take help  Mental aid with emergency helpline  Find out the reason behind suicide with help of professional  Suicidal thoughts and illness are treatable. Understand them by giving love and care to family members. Support, care, compassion, and love is important to boost confidence  Solve their financial, emotional, and social level  Be a good listener  Advice at the correct time ”

Impulsive suicidal tendencies

 Dr. Shyam Mithiya informs,” Impulsive self-harm should be avoided by suicidal patients. In such cases, it is important to avoid addiction to smoking and alcohol. This reduces the percentage of the suicidal tendency.” 

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)