Could he have been talked out of a suicide?

Do you remember the student studying in a college nearby where I live, who burnt himself to death a couple of years ago? A friend of mine is still wondering if he could have been talked out of it by someone? By anyone?

While talking to us about mental health she happened to mention this teenager who was pursuing his studies to get an Engineer degree. He had visited her store located outside the college a day or two before the tragic incident happened. She continued telling us, “He looked so normal. He got chatting to me and my husband for sometime while he selected the right T-shirt he wanted for himself. He didn’t seem to give out any signs of distress.”

Often it so happens that there are no signs any of us can catch. People who are closely associated must look out for each other. If you notice any change in behaviour, it might be wise to probe.

Now, imagine your little finger accidentally getting dipped in piping hot tea for under a second? Ouch! Right? Now think about what that boy must have suffered when he locked himself inside a bathroom and burnt himself with the help of kerosene. He made sure no help could reach him even if he screamed.

Was he in so much mental pain that he was ready to endure that amount of physical pain to let go of his life?

Often the reasons are not justifiable but the reason might look like a big deal to the person facing it. It is important for people associated to not disregard such reasons citing them as silly or stupid. It is of course a big enough reason for someone to think about ending their life so painfully.

Hanging oneself restricting the flow of air to the lungs, drowning in the water painfully taking every gulp into the lungs, popping those pills while still knowing what it could do.

We cant possibly imagine what the person suffering is going through but it is important for us to take notice of anyone who needs help and tell them that every problem is solvable and every situation is manageable. Extending help, even if it means listening to that person for ten minutes would mean a big deal.

The decision to end life is usually taken under a few minutes. It takes a few minutes to counsel a person out of it.

P.S. Seeking professional help from a doctor or therapist is sadly still considered a taboo in India. If you know anyone with mental health issues please convince them that it is okay to seek professional help.