You Matter!

Today is the 10th of September. Does anyone know the significance of this day? ...

Anyone? Need a hint? Today was marked as a day by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) to spread awareness about a sensitive issue in 2003. So..-

Billy raises hand

"Yes, Billy?"

"Can I go to bathwoom"

"Sigh... Yes... Billy..."

Okay, back to topic- Today is September 10th. It is also known as World Suicide Prevention Day. No, don't flinch, don't get all uncomfortable. It is becoming normal. Yes, the most unfortunate thing humans can do to themselves turns out to be normal and common. Don't believe me? Let's get into the statistics.

• Statistical Facts- World:

In 2019 alone, 750,000+ deaths occurred due to suicide, all around the world. You can check this link out - https://ourworldindata.org/suicide - It shows you the graph of death rates from 1990 to 2019 from each country. In almost all countries, deaths due to suicide have come up at the top. Also according to WHO (World Health Organization), for every one suicide there are 20 more who strongly think about it. Now that it is clear, suicide is, sadly, turning out to be a recurring event. And in my opinion, it must be normalised to talk about it and more importantly about its prevention. It is necessary to spread awareness. This is real, and this is happening.

No one must be under so much pressure that it leads to such tragic events. Mental health should be accessible to all. Professional help should be available to all. And, on the brighter side, thee industries are growing.

• Statistical Facts- India:

Now, I'd like to show you another image-

The following piece of news was taken from the Times Of India, August 30, 2022:

The above data shows a comparison between the suicide rates pre and post-pandemic - i.e, 2019 and 2021- in India. The points from it that stood out to me were-

-According to NCRB- National Crime Records Bureau, a total of 1.64 Lakh (164,000) Indians committed suicide in 2021. This is an 18% rise from 2019.

-Of these people, we observe that 27% more students took their own lives in 2021 from 2019. (I repeat, this is not the only fact mentioned, but it is one that stood out to me)

Being a student myself, it was devastating to find out that more and more youths - who are considered as the building blocks of a nation - decided that they shouldn't exist anymore. And as per Wikipedia, "At least one student commits suicide every hour in India."

Now, these are in the official records. What about unofficial?

• About- Creating Hope Through Action:

Suicide rates are increasing by the hour, and it becomes crucial to throw light on the prevention of it. We cannot shy away from it for long. If you are struggling or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to personal or professional help.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 to 2023, as given by the World Health Organization is "Creating Hope Through Action"- if you're interested you can see their official website https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/2022

Now, What can you do to contribute? Let the people around you and yourself know that there is hope. Encourage them and yourself. Try to show them and yourself the joy of living. Give them and yourself a helping hand to stand up. Speak up about problems. Let them and yourself know that you care and that we all have support. Lend a shoulder to lean on. Help out if you can. Let everyone breathe.

And why should you contribute? Because no one in the world possesses a magic wand that can vanish the problems of the world. What is that? You don't believe me? Go on, knock on every single door in the world and ask every single person in the world. No one has it.

So, when one person makes even the slightest contribution to change the life of at least one person, be it themself, a loved one, or a stranger. They add up. And with a population of about 8 billion, when each one does their part, these summations will further contribute towards reducing these rates.

Also, you do not have to go looking for a magic wand or doing something huge. Just talk to people. Share your ups and downs. Be there for one another. Spread awareness and spread positivity.

So, take a moment to help one another, and encourage one another. After all, humanity helps humanity. If we don't do it, who will?

• Every Life Counts

I would want to conclude this blog with a few overused sentences. But, please, do not simply skim through them. Give them meaning. Read the sentences by giving life to each word. Give these words the value they have-

-Suicide is not an option.

-There is light, there is hope and there is support.

-You matter.

You are unique. No one in the world has the beauty you do. The world would hate to miss out on that. Take care of yourself, you shining gem.

Oh and look, Billy is back from the bathroom. Let us all tell Billy the importance of today and the importance of life, shall we?

If you or anyone you know needs help, kindly seek out to professional help. Help is available - at https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/

Signed,

Ann.