"Pressure is the most important factor pushing children and adults to commit suicide. Even an incident of road rage or a traffic hold-up can add to pressure. Noise levels are another factor. These things delay an office-goer. They may appear trivial, but they spoil one's personal life and leads to addictions," says Dr R Mahesh, who runs the Suicide Helpline Centre, near Dr Rajkumar memorial, Nandini Layout, quoting from a study conducted by the centre.
The study found 34 in every 1 lakh Bangaloreans in the age group of 15-29 commit suicide; of them, 60% are male.
The 24x7 helpline has received 3,000 calls seeking help in its two years of existence, and the numbers are only increasing.
Counsellors say sustained pressure leads to a crisis, from where depression isn't far away. Dr Preethi Mahesh, senior psychologist with the helpline, says, "A crisis has various reasons: family problems, biological changes and social tension. Those in crisis feel helpless. They feel a need to destroy themselves."
Suicidal tendency first manifests as sleeplessness. "If someone becomes aloof at home, doesn't express himself or herself and is sleepless, they should immediately see a psychiatrist or counsellor," says M Radhika, helpline counsellor.
Dr Mahesh, director, Spandana Rehabilitation Research and Training Centre, Rajajinagar, says a person who threatens to end his or her life should be taken seriously. "Never take the threat as a challenge or tell them to go ahead. We're living in an age of stress. But there's a way out of this. Good sleep is the best medicine for those contemplating suicide," he says.
SUICIDE SEASON
Suicides in Bangalore peak during exam and results time, after which they taper off. "Most men tend to commit suicide by hanging whereas women prefer consuming poison, drowning, sleeping pills and self-immolation. The reason could be that women who seek to end their life are impulsive, while hanging requires more preparation," says Dr R Mahesh.
24x7 HELPLINE
Dial 65000111 or 65000222 to reach the Suicide Helpline Centre
IN THE NICK OF TIME
Malini (name changed), 20, called the suicide helpline one January midnight. Speaking in a low voice, she said she was a student, and from an affluent family, but chose not to reveal details.
Malini said her love affair had gone awry six months earlier. Friends and family were of no help as they never knew of the affair. She felt at a loss, socialized less and wept frequently. She consumed alcohol, smoked and took sleeping pills every night. She cut herself on her thighs and breasts.
She felt like attempting suicide just before making the call. Responding empathetically, the counsellor convinced Malini into meeting a psychiatrist. Treated for depression, Malini is doing fine now.
Source: http://tinyurl.com/ks9ymvp
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