The recent death by suicide, (I am intentionally avoiding the use of commiting suicide as pointed out by Deepika Padukone), of the M.S. Dhoni actor, Sushant Singh Rajput, left me in a great state of shock and I haven’t been able to wrap my head around how hard it might have been for him to finally succumb to suicide.
When I told this news to my parents, their immediate reaction was about how stupid it was of him to die in this manner. That’s the perception of most elders in our parents’ generation. But what we need to understand and bear in mind is that people who die by suicide don’t do so because they want to die. They suicide because they want to end their pain. If you are careful enough and pay enough attention, you would realize that they become despair, talk about death, be reckless, become withdrawn, sleep a lot or a lot less, show mood swings and disconnect themselves from all social media platforms. If you happen to notice these, do not ignore them!
I think a great impacting factor of suicide is the feeling of loneliness. When loneliness strikes you, your wealth, popularity, education, nothing matters. At such times the only thing that can make you feel better is to have someone take your hand or give you a hug and reassure you that everything’s going to be alright and whatever happens I am here for you. People don’t understand how much of an effect these words can have on a person suffering with depression.
Of course it is hard to open up to someone and even harder to express how you feel when you are depressed. However, if you decide to open up and talk about how you feel, I assure you that there are many people who would understand you and are genuinely willing to help you through your journey of overcoming the demon of depression.
Believe in your gut feeling. If you feel that a person is in distress, do not leave them alone. Talk to them, and if they are willing, take them to a therapist. Be available at all times for them to reach out to you if they ever feel suicidal.
It’s time that we become humane. These times are teaching us the value of relationships and how we have become insensitive to the people around us in this meaningless rat race we are all guilty of being a part of. It doesn’t cost you anything to be more understanding and loving. That little love and understanding you show might save someone’s life…
My thoughts 