Most people who commit suicide don’t want to die — they just want to stop hurting. A garment entrepreneur has understood this perhaps too well, and is attempting to counsel teenagers in the quirky, irreverent tone they associate with best.
Manmohan Singh, a garment maker who also owns a shop in Nakshatra Mall at Dadar, is selling T-shirts printed with funky ‘say no to suicide’ messages. The catchy lines offer pop philosophy on not being afraid of exams, and failure; that life is larger than its problems, and is best served fun filled.
“Normally, when a friend or a family member is considering suicide, we might be afraid to bring up the subject, even though we may suspect something amiss. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. That is why I printed ‘Hang not, Hang out’ on the T-shirts,” Singh said, adding, “This is the exam time and if the stressed out students wear such T-shirts it may change their thinking. This may be my business, but if it makes a difference, I will be very happy.”
The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately 1 million people commit suicide each year. Dr Anjali Chhabria, a psychiatrist, agrees that this could be a good way to spread positivity. “It may not make much difference, but it is not harmful to the students. They like to wear fancy T-shirts, and printing such messages on them is a good attempt,” said Dr Chhabria.
Comments
