You Can Prevent Suicide

  •   Thu, Sep 10 2026
  •   By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor

September 10, 2026

Year after year, September 10th is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide - start the conversations’. The theme encourages us to shed the stigma associated with discussing about sensitive topics such as suicide.

It is saddening to know that more than 7 lac people die by suicide every year. It is the leading cause of death in young adults. Suicide is a sheer waste of a precious promising life.

The common risk factors for suicide include Mental illness such as depression- untreated/partially treated:

  • Substance dependence
  • Past history of suicide
  • Family history of suicide
  • Cumulative stress - loss, family disputes, separation

Warning signs that an individual may be harbouring suicidal ideation include:

  • Expressing hopelessness about future
  • Talks about death, dying suicide
  • Donating precious belongings or writing a will
  • Social withdrawal

How can one prevent suicide?

If you recognize that a family or friend is thinking of suicide, don’t panic. Just be around. Studies show that people who are left alone are more likely to make a serious suicide attempt. Having someone with them may become the only thing preventing death by self-harm.

Talk to them openly, do not judge, offer unconditional attention. In some cases the suicidal thoughts will reduce in intensity and frequency.

Refer the person to a psychiatrist. Untreated mental illness is the one of the leading causes of suicide.

How to speak to a person whose loved one has died of suicide?

Allow the person to talk and ventilate about their feelings. Let them grieve. Chances are that the family members of the deceased individual will be struggling to cope and suffering from severe guilt. Refrain from giving your opinion about the circumstances leading to the incident. Religious coping helps in traditional families. In many cases a trained therapist may help them cope with the loss over sessions.

Take home message

Suicide is preventable. As a mental health professional my sincere request to everyone is not to stigmatize mental illness. We as a society should normalize seeking help for mental illness.

Youngsters, college students can become torch- bearers for mental health advocacy and for suicide prevention. They can be trained to identify persons who are at high risk of suicide.

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let us join hands to reduce the incidence of death by suicide.

 

 

 

 
By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor
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