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Call it financial meltdown, recession or by any other name. One inescapable fact is that its taking a toll on human lives. Many young techies are committing suicide. The last six months have been horrible and the frequency of suicides is only escalating. The spate of suicides, or murdering the family and then committing suicide is just increasing. The reasons seem to vary from the inability to pay loans, to unemployment, to losing money in the stock market, to business loss by entrepreneurs and the inability to face family and friends. India already holds the world record for suicides and this has only worsened in the past few months. As it is hard to monitor suicide by engineering students, techies and business people, it is important to create awareness about it and this is what this article aims to do.

A suicidal attempt is a cry for help that should never be ignored. It is a warning that something is terribly wrong. Before we learn about spotting the warning signs and what one can do about, it is important to know the myths that surround suicide and self-harm. According to several psychologists and counsellors, there are four major myths about suicide.

Myth#1 People who talk about suicide will not really do it: Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide gives some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like I cant see any way out or Everyone will be sorry when Im deadno matter how casually said, may indicate serious suicidal feelings.

Myth#2 People who commit suicide are unwilling to seek help:Many studies of suicide victims have shown that more than 50% sought medical help within six month before their deaths.

Myth#3 People who try to commit suicide are crazy: Majority of those who commit suicide are not insane. They are usually upset, grief-stricken, or depressed. Extreme misery is always a sign of mental illness, not of psychosis.

Myth#4 People determined to commit suicide, cant be stopped: Even extremely depressed people have mixed feelings about death. Most suicidal people dont want to die, but want the pain to stop. The impulse to commit suicide, however overpowering, doesnt last long. Therefore, they can be stopped if one intervenes.

Myth#5 Talking about suicide may give someone the idea: You cant give a suicidal person ideas by talking about suicide. In fact, the opposite is truebringing up the subject of suicide and openly discussing it is very helpful in preventing suicides.

Warning Signs
The Journal of the American Medical Association says that 90% of all suicides occur during or after a depressive episode in an individuals life. If this goes undetected, then it results in suicide. However, most people are depressed these days. So how do we essentially know they are contemplating suicide? Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

Thinking/talking about suicide: Those who are suicidal tend to be preoccupied with death. Most people, especially techies, actually browse the Internet looking for ways to die and this can include searches for pills, guns, ways to die neatly, etc.

Purposelessness: Having no goal or losing all sense of belonging. Many talk of being trapped or get angry for no reason.

Hopelessness: Losing all hope, optimism and claiming that there is nothing to live for. This is exhibited by sudden withdrawal from family, friends, work, activities or hobbies. They give away prized possessions suddenly. Many set their affairs in order, and make surprise visits or calls to people they care about.

Anxiety and Recklessness: This is characterised by a sudden spurt of high risk-taking behavior and sleeplessness.

Mood Swings: Many seem to be suddenly happier or calmer.

If you spot one or more of the above signs, get the person to urgently visit a doctor or mental health professional.

Minnie Dabney, a certified chronic care professional who has over thirteen years of experience in the field says, Whenever people of any age start withdrawing in any way, this is an automatic sign that there is something wrong. This could be anything from removing family photos from their office, returning books to the bookstore, completing something thats gone uncompleted forever, and, especially if they start saying goodbye (I just wanted to thank you for being such a good friend to me or Ill miss you, etc).

Know What to Do
So, if you see such signs in either yourself or a friend, what do you do? Social stigma associated with mental illnesses prevents people from seeking help. When someone has the method, mode and means of committing suicide, it clearly shows the person is strongly leaning toward successful suicide. To stop him/her from going ahead, do the following:

Listen and Question: Suicidal thoughts are common with depressive illnesses and your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can make such people seek professional help. You want them to talk to you. Listen to them, even if your ears are blue. Dont interrupt, other than to encourage them to talk more. Then, you can start reaching out your handtouch their hand if you feel it will be acceptable. Questions that are okay to ask are: Do you ever feel so badly that you think about suicide?, Do you have a plan to commit suicide or take your life and Have you thought about what method you would use. Asking such questions will help you to determine if the person is in immediate danger, and get help if needed. A suicidal person should see a doctor or mental health professional immediately. Always take thoughts or plans for suicide seriously.

Never keep a suicidal plan for suicide a secret: Do not worry about risking a friendship if you truly feel a life is in danger. It is better to lose a relationship by violating someones confidence than it is to go to the persons funeral.

Never try to change their mind: Never, ever, tell them that what they are feeling is temporary. This minimizes their feelings and confirms to them that it is hopeless. Let them tell you their pain and understand what it is that is propelling them to feel like their life is suddenly meaningless.

Offer help: Make sure you follow through. This is one instance where you must be tenacious in your follow-up. Help find a doctor or a mental health professional, participate in making the first phone call, or accompany the person to the first appointment. If youre in a position to help, dont assume that your persistence is meddling. Saving a life is more important.

Creating awareness and educating others about suicide is important. Look up your telephone directory to spot the suicide hotline in your area. It only takes seconds to end a life, but it takes years to create one.

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