Experts debunk myths on suicide

Panaji: Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed each year on Sep 10, mental health professionals have debunked myths that only those with mental health issues die by suicide or that open conversations about it put ideas of suicide into people’s heads.
TOI recently reported that the small state of Goa recorded 333 deaths by suicide in 2023, the highest number of cases in seven years.Over the past 8.5 years, suicide has claimed at least 2,500 persons in Goa.
“One reason suicide prevention is not a priority in our country stems from the wrong perception that only people with mental illnesses think of and attempt suicide, thereby being the job of mental health professionals to address and solve the issue,” says psychiatrist and director of COOJ Mental Health Foundation, Dr Peter Castelino.
“More than 13,000 students lost their lives to suicide in India last year, which is equal to students of 8-9 colleges. Many people are dying, and govt needs to do more by putting the national suicide prevention strategy in place. A collective effort is required to deal with the issue,” he said, adding that for every suicide completed, there are approximately 20 attempts and 100 people thinking about it.
A holistic approach, which starts from early childhood by teaching children life skills to help them cope with mental health issues throughout life, early identification, treatment and rehabilitation, and improving mental health outreach is required, said psychiatrist at Dabolim and former programme officer of the district mental health programme for South Goa, Dr Shilpa Pandya.
“There must be open conversations about suicide. It’s a myth that talking about it gives suicidal ideas to people. The time has come for us to listen, keeping all our prejudices aside,” she said.
Talking about mental health must be as effortless as talking about physical illnesses, said psychologist at COOJ Mental Health Foundation, Sanya Pereira.
“It takes an effort and a lot of courage to talk to someone about our mental state of mind. Being a good listener can do wonders for a person in distress. Just listen to the person and give them space to speak. Normalise these conversations just as we would talk about the flu or fever,” she said.