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The recent death of Simran Singh, a 25-year-old radio jockey and social media influencer from Jammu and Kashmir, has sent shockwaves through the online community. Known as ‘RJ Simran’ and celebrated as ‘Jammu Ki Dhadkan’ (Heartbeat of Jammu), she was a vibrant personality who touched many lives.
Family members mentioned that Simran had been dealing with depression before her death. This sad event has led to important conversations about mental health and the pressures young influencers face. To discuss the issue of suicide, we contacted Unnati Machchhar, Associate Programme Director, Prevention of Violence against Women and Children, SNEHA, to recognise the signs of suicide.
Expert Shares Suicide Prevention Thoughts
Recognising the signs of suicide is the first step in preventing it, but how you respond can really make a difference. Our expert, Unnati Machchhar, Associate Programme Director, Prevention of Violence against Women and Children, SNEHA, suggested a few suicide prevention thoughts.
- Connect and Listen: If you notice any signs of mental distress in someone, try to connect with them gently and as soon as possible. Show that you genuinely care and create a safe space where they can share their feelings. Often, what a person needs most is someone who will listen.
- Promote Professional Support: People in distress need to seek help from a mental health professional, such as a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. You must try to push or convince them to get help from a mental health professional.
- Maintain Strong Connections: Keep checking in with them. Regular communication can help them feel less lonely and more connected to others.
- Limit Access to Dangerous Resources: If you think individuals might harm themselves, the first step is to remove anything they could use to do so. This includes items like guns, pills, knives, or any sharp objects. It's also important not to leave them alone during these difficult times.
- Enhance Awareness and Knowledge: Helping to create a supportive community involves raising awareness about suicide and how to respond effectively. You can share information during workshops and encourage others to take care of their mental health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 720,000 individuals die by suicide each year, which translates to approximately one death every 40 seconds. Alarmingly, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29, and 73% of these tragic events occur in low and middle-income countries.
What are some effective ways to support someone who is suicidal?
According to a study published on NIMH, below are a few measures that one can take to save their loved ones from having suicidal thoughts.
- Ask Directly: Inquire if they are having suicidal thoughts, use clear language to encourage openness.
- Listen Without Judgment: Be present and validate their feelings without minimizing their pain.
- Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions and let them know it’s okay to express themselves.
- Guide Them to Resources: Suggest seeking help from mental health professionals and offer assistance in finding support.
- Discuss Treatment Options: Emphasize that effective treatments are available.
- Develop a Safety Plan: Collaborate on a plan that includes coping strategies and emergency contacts.
- Regular Check-ins: Maintain communication through calls or texts to reinforce support.
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Suicide prevention requires collective effort and awareness. By implementing the above-mentioned strategies, individuals can play a significant role in supporting those at risk and potentially saving lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, do not hesitate to reach out for help through resources available 24/7.
[Disclaimer: This response may contain references to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help.]