Today I am sharing five insights from the book ‘Suicide Prevention’. This book by Banjara Academy, Bangalore is written by Dr.Ali Khwaja. It shares insights on why people commit such an action, prevention of youth suicide, helping yourself etc. And as I read it I realised a number of things.

1. Incidence of suicide statistically peaks at 15-25 years of age quotes the book. This came as a bit of surprise to me. Why in the helm of youth would kids do this I wondered. And then the book answered this when it mentioned the possible factors leading to such a step in youth. It said failure in exams, love, humiliation, serious differences with parents/elders etc. So watch out for this!
2. Majority of suicides are not impulsive. They are planned weeks or months in advance.So there may be signs! Changes in behavioural pattens like -mood, habits and conversations about giving away things, death, repaying debts etc may be some of the signs quotes the book. It is one way of understanding that the person is feeling inadequate /hopeless and is silently crying for help before taking any drastic steps.
3. The youth of today are under pressure. So as parents and teachers it is best to keep communication channels open, be non judgemental, encourage them to talk.
4. Help yourself too says the book. Always keep three people in mind who are ready to talk with you when you feel isolated or sad. Get in touch with each of them when you feel the need to ask for help.
5. The book lists some centers when help is provided for people in distress. It mentions Mahila Dakshatha Samiti, Sumagali Seva Ashram,Karuna Mother Theresa Home, Parivarthan, Vatsalaya Charitable Trust and Banjara Academy of Bangalore.

Read the book to know more details about understanding this distress in more detail. You can get all their books from this link.