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Thursday, June 14, 2012

Article about Aasra's activities on world suicide prevention day Sept 10, 2011, in Mumbai Mirror


Mumbai Mirror

World Suicide Prevention Day

This year on World Prevention day some organisations like Asara and Vandrevela Foundation who are working towardsdealing with suicide prevention and awareness activities are organising seminars, presentations and other programmes to spread awareness about suicide. Their message is common: support, love and care for the person and help him find a new life again Elsie Gabriel Posted On Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 01:22:54 PM The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression. Healthy people do not kill themselves. Depression can alter a person's thinking, so they don't think rationally. They may not know they can be helped. Their illness can cause thoughts of hopelessness and helplessness, which may lead to suicidal thoughts. In order to prevent suicides it is critical to recognize the warning signs of depression. There are several organizations and counselors ready to help. Every year, Aasra, an organisation dealing with suicide prevention and awareness activities works towards spreading awareness about suicide in a special way on this special day. This year they are organizing a workshop on September 10 at Aasra, New Mumbai and at Vaze college, Mulund. Aasra’s director Johnson Thomas has been involved in the work of suicide prevention for the last fourteen years. He will be making a presentation on suicide prevention for the event. He says, “At some point in life, several of us happen to have suicidal thoughts. So we should understand the cause. It is also about the mind-body connection. Therefore we are having several workshops related to the topic. You can call us on 27546667 or 9820466726 .” On an average almost 3000 people commit suicide everyday. For every person who commits a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives. (WHO report 2011). Vandrevala Foundation at Powai for the last two years has been actively involved in awareness campaigns for suicide prevention. The foundation was started by Priya Hiranandani and Cyrus Vandrevala who wanted to have a 24 hour helpline for people suffering from sucidal thoughts and other mental health problems. Dr Arun John, executive vice president, Vandrevala Foundation at Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, says, “For those who are contemplating to end their life, we run a 24x7 helpline with all India connectivity, manned by trained psychologists and psychiatrists who have successfully thwarted many such attempts and led people safely to be united with their loved ones. The person contemplating suicide often knows he needs help but does not know where to get it – this is the gap we fill. We have a simply motive: if you think no one cares – we care. If you are suffereing from depression or stress all you have to do is call us on 022 2570 6000 or 1860 266 2345 .You can also mail to us at help@vandrevalafoundation.com.” There is still a stigma associated with this illness which prevents public education and early treatment for sufferers. The topic of suicide has always been a taboo. More and more people are willing to seek help but feel helpless, therefore you can always encourage someone to seek it. The social stressors associated with suicide are loneliness, rejection, and marital conflicts in developed countries, whereas research states that inter-generational conflicts, love failure, and exam failure are found in developing countries. Know the symptoms and provide help: It can be very frightening to hear a friend or loved one say they want to die. Even to hear a complete stranger say these words is hard. But, not every suicidal person will actually make the statement that he or she wants to die. Some clues that the person may be contemplating suicide may include: Deepening despair in which the person becomes uncommunicative and withdrawn Talking or joking about suicide Making statements about being reunited with a deceased loved one Talking about experiencing feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness Suddenly more contented, or more at peace. If the person is emerging from a disabling period out of depression, he may now have the energy to end life Risk-taking behaviour (reckless driving/excessive speeding, carelessness around bridges, cliffs or balconies, or walking in front of traffic). Also close calls or brushes with death While this list is not all-inclusive, it can provide general clues to the suicidal individual's mindset. If he or she knows that the pain may stop, that there is hope, he or she may then choose life. Urge them to seek professional help as soon as possible. Listen to them without trying to be judgmental. Allow the person to share with you. This will not only help you in preventing the person from going through with their plan at hand, it will provide the information that you will need to share with the professionals who may need to help your friend or loved one. Do not try to challenge or dare the person to go through with the act thinking that it will scare him/her out of the idea. Avoid trying to offer quick solutions or belittling the person. Do not hesitate to contact the authorities. Keep them talking so that they will reduce the emotional burden they are carrying. One of the most important aspects of suicide prevention is support. The most important uplifting emotion you can share is love and comfort and you can help that person find new life again.So reach out and help save a life if you can. Sources: The Times of Mulund-Powai

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