Suicide: Not a Solution

Any individual may face a time in his life when he would think of taking his own life. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms that can define this state of one’s mind. So, it may not be possible for others to discover what is going on inside his mind even when he is constantly thinking about ending his own life. Someone who ends their own life often leaves the people around them questioning what may have been the reason, what signs they had missed, and what they could have done to prevent such an incident from happening.
 According to data presented on the website of the National Library of Medicine (NIH) of the USA, more than ten thousand people in our country die by suicide every year. Here one may ask a question: why do so many people kill themselves when life is so dear to every person? Well, in fact, there is not ‘one’ reason behind why someone ends their life. Often, multiple factors work together to create such unpredictable situations that drive one to commit suicide.   However, unstable mental health is kept at the top of a list of reasons why a person commits suicide. Depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are some common mental disorders that can lead one to be suicidal. In some cases, the drugs prescribed to treat these illnesses also cause suicidal thoughts. According to the data from the Health Sciences Authority, around 4% of the youth consuming antidepressants report suicidal thoughts. The same research suggests that, over time, this rate of suicidality goes down.  
Another common reason behind suicide is drugs and substance use. Long-term substance and alcohol consumption can cause impulsiveness. And in the worst cases, it leads to taking one's own life. People who often consume substances and alcohol usually have a history of depression and anxiety. Hence, these factors together make things worse and push towards suicide.
Next comes the psychological factor of feeling hopeless and burdened by others. At different phases in life, people can feel hopeless or like they are not enough to achieve what they want. Especially young people undergoing academic pressure have these feelings. Often, family members, relatives, and society set invisible standards that people feel they must meet. However, when one fails to perform up to the standard, they are made to feel inferior. This triggers suicidal thoughts in people who have a weak mindset. This causes one to feel that their life holds less or no value at all; therefore, they turn to ending their life.
Failed relationships and unstable finances are some factors that can also trigger suicidal thoughts among individuals. It is often noted that when a person undergoes financial instability, they lose their enthusiasm to live. Additionally, family members and relatives create pressure and make these people feel belittled compared to others. Most young people these days involve themselves in relationships that often do not end well; as a result, they feel an overflow of emotions and end up taking their lives.
The list can go on and on, yet the reason behind each suicide will be different. Therefore, it does not have any universal solution. The ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ is observed annually on the 10th of September to create awareness in this regard. Meanwhile, the government has taken initiatives like ‘Kaan Pete Roi’ to prevent suicide. It is the first and the only suicide prevention helpline that is run by trained volunteers. On the other hand, educational institutions are actively working to create a safe environment for students to receive counselling. 
But it is also a fact that suicide is no disease that can be cured; rather, it is a silent scream that often costs a life. No amount of awareness created by any organisation would be enough if there is no self-awareness built in oneself. So, it is essential for one to reach out for help when in need. And there is surely some wisdom in Eleanor Roosevelt’ words: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."