India is declared as the world's suicide capital from the latest study. When I saw this in the news yesterday, I was instantly reminded of the suicides I heard in the last month.
One was of the famous Robin Williams [Ofcourse a non-Indian] to the other two being of friends of friends [Indians].
One was a successful [on the face of it] actor/artist; renowned all over the world for his skill - That of a great comedian! The other two were youngsters with decent and fair looking life - which includes, good family, good education, decent jobs, presentable looks etc.
So when I heard of these, apart from the sadness over a life wasted, the next thought I had was; inspite of all of the above - WHY then? Why do people who look normal..reasonably better off, surrender to life in this manner?
Questions like these can only have rationale, practical answers, in which most of the time we end up blaming the victim that s/he did not reach out for help or calling it cowardice for ending 'the beautiful life' in this way or naming them selfish for being insensitive to the apathy of their loved ones they leave behind.
Are we justified in thinking that way? Obviously, its not a 'Beautiful life' for the ones who are bidding adieu to it. It takes a lot of courage to put an end to a life by your own self. So again, are we justified to think that way? I don't think so.
No, I'm not advocating suicides as such in any which way. But just because we do not understand it, does not give us the right to belittle someone who did go on the forbidden path. It would serve better trying to think and understand why more and more people end up going this path.
Also, a fact to keep in mind would be that people suffering from suicidal tendencies cope with their own sense of strength and understanding for a long time before they succumb.
I'm very certain nobody likes to die a loser. Nobody wants to leave behind families and loved ones in grief. But equally true is not everybody is made of stronger stuff. Not everybody has a high confidence spirit. Not everybody can cope up. It's only when their anguish becomes unbearable, people opt out.
We [undepressed people] may not understand it - but rather than passing judgement over someone's weakness, we could try to understand it and see if we can do something about helping people inclined as such.
If we look around closely in the world around us today; at some point we sure have come across atleast a couple of people who have subtly/directly reached out to us with their problems in the form of sharing or asking suggestions and of who we got aware that they're going through tough times.
Generically speaking, what did we do? Except for the very close ones who effect us directly, we usually don't much have time/inclination to listen and help out the one in need. Blunt and selfish as it may sound, its a fact most of us wouldn't be able to deny. Not because for any other reason, only because we are ourselves lost in the whirlwind of our own day-to-day hustling that we pay proper attention to something only probably when it's late..if not too late.
So where do the people who are broken down and who eventually give up; go too? Sure, there are counselling options and medications. But again, not all think of that option nor can all afford those.
At that time all they want is warmth and understanding. Mostly from the people they love.
Nothing heals more than love. Nothing heals more than feeling that you are wanted, you are valued to a depressed heart.
And that is where the catch is.
Tollsome as it may sound - and is, that is the pressing need of the hour from the near and dear ones associated. Consistent support the griever's anguish is the medicine until the sufferer gets back on his/her feet. It may take months.. maybe years in some cases.. but it helps. I do believe it definitely does!
Only when we are ready to offer the first hand of help can we point fingers and mouth strong opinions against the emotionally weak or the already succumbed to death people.
The only wish we can wish is hope they find peace in the other world.
© All rights reserved with Biraj 3Vedi. To re-print, prior permission required from the author.
One was of the famous Robin Williams [Ofcourse a non-Indian] to the other two being of friends of friends [Indians].
One was a successful [on the face of it] actor/artist; renowned all over the world for his skill - That of a great comedian! The other two were youngsters with decent and fair looking life - which includes, good family, good education, decent jobs, presentable looks etc.
So when I heard of these, apart from the sadness over a life wasted, the next thought I had was; inspite of all of the above - WHY then? Why do people who look normal..reasonably better off, surrender to life in this manner?
Questions like these can only have rationale, practical answers, in which most of the time we end up blaming the victim that s/he did not reach out for help or calling it cowardice for ending 'the beautiful life' in this way or naming them selfish for being insensitive to the apathy of their loved ones they leave behind.
Are we justified in thinking that way? Obviously, its not a 'Beautiful life' for the ones who are bidding adieu to it. It takes a lot of courage to put an end to a life by your own self. So again, are we justified to think that way? I don't think so.
No, I'm not advocating suicides as such in any which way. But just because we do not understand it, does not give us the right to belittle someone who did go on the forbidden path. It would serve better trying to think and understand why more and more people end up going this path.
Also, a fact to keep in mind would be that people suffering from suicidal tendencies cope with their own sense of strength and understanding for a long time before they succumb.
I'm very certain nobody likes to die a loser. Nobody wants to leave behind families and loved ones in grief. But equally true is not everybody is made of stronger stuff. Not everybody has a high confidence spirit. Not everybody can cope up. It's only when their anguish becomes unbearable, people opt out.
We [undepressed people] may not understand it - but rather than passing judgement over someone's weakness, we could try to understand it and see if we can do something about helping people inclined as such.
If we look around closely in the world around us today; at some point we sure have come across atleast a couple of people who have subtly/directly reached out to us with their problems in the form of sharing or asking suggestions and of who we got aware that they're going through tough times.
Generically speaking, what did we do? Except for the very close ones who effect us directly, we usually don't much have time/inclination to listen and help out the one in need. Blunt and selfish as it may sound, its a fact most of us wouldn't be able to deny. Not because for any other reason, only because we are ourselves lost in the whirlwind of our own day-to-day hustling that we pay proper attention to something only probably when it's late..if not too late.
So where do the people who are broken down and who eventually give up; go too? Sure, there are counselling options and medications. But again, not all think of that option nor can all afford those.
At that time all they want is warmth and understanding. Mostly from the people they love.
Nothing heals more than love. Nothing heals more than feeling that you are wanted, you are valued to a depressed heart.
And that is where the catch is.
Tollsome as it may sound - and is, that is the pressing need of the hour from the near and dear ones associated. Consistent support the griever's anguish is the medicine until the sufferer gets back on his/her feet. It may take months.. maybe years in some cases.. but it helps. I do believe it definitely does!
Only when we are ready to offer the first hand of help can we point fingers and mouth strong opinions against the emotionally weak or the already succumbed to death people.
The only wish we can wish is hope they find peace in the other world.
© All rights reserved with Biraj 3Vedi. To re-print, prior permission required from the author.
Medam.. spell check karo.. are you really NOW advocating suicides?
ReplyDeleteOww!! Thank you Doc!!
ReplyDeleteSpell check kiya tha Doc... 'Now' was accepted! :P
I was so engrossed writing this as the 2 suicide stories I heard left me quite moved.. k proof read karne par bhi didn't catch that error! :O
A serious issue... I dint know that India was the tallest in suicide as well :D
ReplyDeleteI welcomed to your blog myself :)
Yea Vinodhini.. I saw it on some news channel just few days back. It's disturbing when you actually hear of people know of!
ReplyDelete..n yes, welcome to my blog.. I have a bad way of marketing myself :P