Mangaluru: Suicide Lifeline, a unit of Susheg Charitable Trust, Mangaluru is organising an awareness event titled ‘Give Life a Chance’ on Saturday April 23 from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm at Roshni Nilaya, Valencia. The initiative will focus on to raise awareness that suicide is preventable, to educate the public and reduce the stigma attached to suicide which is in reality a public health crisis. The awareness drive will consist of a Jumble Sale, Plants for hope Sale, Bake Sale, Fun, Games, Food, Mental Health Screening and so on.
Olga B. Noronha, a volunteer at Susheg Lifeline noted that the inspiration for the initiative came after she saw a video clip on WhatsApp in which Marc, a young sportsman says, “I gave up everything I dreamt of as a little boy, because of those who I chose to surround myself with. If we surround ourselves with people involved with drugs, alcohol and pills, it’s a dead end! We are defined by our choices!”
In the video Marc explains that he had reached the bottom of the pit. He did not want to live anymore and thoughts of dying by suicide began to plague him. His mother’s sad and sudden demise, brought him back to his senses. He decided to give Life a chance, chose to pick himself up, chose to get the right help, gave up the thoughts of dying by suicide and his life changed a million times for the better! “Today, he has a steady job, a loving family and is involved in helping young people find meaning in life,” she added.
How to recognise early suicide warnings
Majority of those who are contemplating suicide usually give some clues or signs to those around them that show they are troubled. Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide especially if the behaviour is new, has increased or seems related to a painful event, loss or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling a person who is trained to help in such situations.
- Some indicators of impending suicide are as follows:
- Appearing depressed or sad
- Talking or writing about death or suicide
- Withdrawing from family and friends,
- Feeling hopeless, helpless or trapped, unreasonably angry, or enraged;
- Experiencing dramatic mood changes
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Exhibiting a change in personality
- Acting impulsively and/or recklessly
- Losing interest in most activities; changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
- Finally performing poorly at work or at school.
What can you do about it?
One can follow the ACT formula in such situations.
A – Acknowledge the distress
When a friend or loved one shows some warning signs, it is very important to take them seriously. Listening attentively to a distressed person will make him or her feel that people care and will thus make them more willing to talk about the problem and to seek professional help if needed.
C – Care:
Ask the person-at-risk if they are having thoughts of suicide. Talking about suicide reduces rather than increases suicidal thoughts. Keeping the person safe is important too. Determine if the person has suicidal intent with a specific plan. Removing, disabling or restricting the lethal means (ie. firearms, medications) can make a difference to the safety of the person-at-risk. Continue to be available to your friend and show them your support. Although it may upset you to hear thoughts about suicide, remain calm, concerned, supportive and assure the person that help is available and that treatment works. Help the person concerned to make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor or a mental health professional.
The following need to be avoided:
Trying to cheer the person up or telling them to “snap out of it”; assuming that the situation will take care of itself and get resolved; being sworn to secrecy is risky – the rule is –the safety of the person is more important than keeping their secret; avoid leaving the person alone unless they act in a threatening way. In that case leave them and call 108 to assist the person to get to the nearest emergency room.
T – Treatment:
It is important to get professional help immediately if your friend or loved one is exhibiting any suicidal warning signs.
Suicide Lifeline
Suicide Lifeline has been serving those in distress since 2017, through a Helpline 24×7, with the help of trained volunteers. If you or someone you know needs help, please call 0824 – 2983444. Professionally trained multi-lingual operators with excellent communication skills are the frontline recipients of the distress calls. The call is immediately transferred to a trained Volunteer who responds and assists the caller according to protocol.
Volunteers trained in suicide prevention work in shifts and are available for response 24×7. One backup clinician is available for consultation and assistance to the Volunteers. The entire process remains confidential.
If you would like to be a volunteer please contact: susheglifeline@gmail.com.
You can also give your generous donations in the following bank details:
Account Name: Susheg Charitable Trust – Susheg Lifeline
Account No.: 520101022731532
IFSC Code: UNIBN0935069
Address : Union Bank of India, Narmada Building, Falnir, Mangalore 575001.
