According to statistics suicide in Pakistan is on the increase. This is not surprising. Given the insecurity, unemployment, inflation and political instability that grip Pakistan today, it is a major challenge for even the most stable person to retain his or her sanity. Suicide is the result of the interaction of a number of factors — biological, genetic, psychological and environmental. It is important that all of these are addressed to help a person overcome suicidal tendencies.
While the government has an important role to play in addressing the causes of suicide, the main element in the prevention of suicide is general awareness. It is important that families understand the symptoms and take seriously any change in the behaviour of another member and his/her threat to kill himself/herself. Depression too must be addressed preferably by a mental health professional. Help-lines can serve as a band-aid measure until proper help arrives.
While those suffering from mental disorders — which can lead to suicide — need professional help, a collective effort by members of society can go far in making life a lot easier for those with depressive tendencies in these trying times. Reaching out is after all a sign that a cry for help has been heard. At the individual level, the acquisition of skills in stress management can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Where the stress agent cannot be changed people must learn to address the issues that are hurting them and devise strategies so that they can learn to cope with their problems without letting these dominate their lives. Sometimes even a change in perception can release stress. Needless to say a healthy lifestyle — diet and exercise — are the key elements in facilitating good health, both physical and mental, and the medical community must promote this as far as possible.
While the government has an important role to play in addressing the causes of suicide, the main element in the prevention of suicide is general awareness. It is important that families understand the symptoms and take seriously any change in the behaviour of another member and his/her threat to kill himself/herself. Depression too must be addressed preferably by a mental health professional. Help-lines can serve as a band-aid measure until proper help arrives.
While those suffering from mental disorders — which can lead to suicide — need professional help, a collective effort by members of society can go far in making life a lot easier for those with depressive tendencies in these trying times. Reaching out is after all a sign that a cry for help has been heard. At the individual level, the acquisition of skills in stress management can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Where the stress agent cannot be changed people must learn to address the issues that are hurting them and devise strategies so that they can learn to cope with their problems without letting these dominate their lives. Sometimes even a change in perception can release stress. Needless to say a healthy lifestyle — diet and exercise — are the key elements in facilitating good health, both physical and mental, and the medical community must promote this as far as possible.
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