‘Small gesture of concern can prevent adolescent suicides’

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

On Monday, JP Nagar police rescued a student who was about to commit suicide by cutting his wrist at a Paying guest facility in the city. The incident came to light when a friend of the student alerted the police after receiving a message that stated his intentions.

A small gesture of concern helped save an adolescent’s life, and experts say small gestures are also what will help prevent the suicides of adolescents. “It (adolescence) is a time of expedited social and psychological exploration, accompanied by interpersonal, academic and emotional challenges. Adolescents also go on to explore new domains with their talents and are consistently exploring their social identities,” said Akanksha Pandey, Consultant ,Clinical Psychology, Fortis Hospitals.

As it is a period of continual struggle, many experience severe psychological distress and a disruption in their usual conduct. Adolescents who fail to achieve a sense of identity have low self-esteem and are socially isolated. “Changes in family dynamics such as divorce, siblings moving out, loss of a loved one, bullying, loneliness, abuse, and substance abuse in family members have also been commonly known to be a predictor of unhealthy or stressful transition to adulthood,” said Akanksha, adding that in order to escape painful feelings or difficult situations, they tend to indulge in activities such as behavioral or chemical addiction in which they can loosen themselves completely or absorb themselves mentally to reduce their tension and sadness.

According to City Crime Records Bureau (CCRB), Bengaluru reported the highest number of deaths by suicide during the pandemic year of 2020. Between 2011-2020, a total of 19,541 suicides were reported, the highest in the past three decades.

There has been an increasing rise in the cases of suicide and attempts among young adults. “Parents must not compare their child with others and must respect their uniqueness. They must have a non-judgemental attitude and must provide them space to express their emotions regardless of their gender. They must avoid labels and have realistic expectations with a good balance of authoritative parenting,” said Akanksha, when asked about the role of parents in prevention.

“Friends must be an active and encouraging support system who validate their feelings with a non-critical attitude,” she added. When one senses they are having issues with mental help, they must seek help, she said.