Suicidal Mumbai?

The suicide of five people in a span of 24 hours between Sunday and Monday point to an alarming trend of a large number Mumbaikars pushing themselves over the edge.
On an average, at least two people commit suicide in the city every day.

As per the statistics of the Mumbai police, this year the city has seen 581 cases of suicide till August. Of that the number of male suicide is 312. Majority of these troubled souls were aged between 15 and 29 years.

As per the data, the maximum number of female suicides has happened seven years after marriage. Of the 269 female suicides, 140 women have taken the extreme step seven years after marriage. Confirming this, the Vandrewala Foundation, an NGO working in the area of mental health, has said that most women face a sense of isolation a few years after marriage because of the responsibilities at home.

Hyacinth Pereira, senior vice-president of the foundation said, "Usually, there is shift in role a few years after marriage and having kids. From an independent working person, the woman's role changes and she become more confined to the home looking after only her family. She feels she is not contributing enough and hence the frustration."

Some of the other reasons for suicide are financial stress in business, health problems, love affair gone awry and unable to meet parents' expectation in academics etc.

Sadanand Date, joint commissioner of police (crime) said, "There has not been an abrupt rise as compared to last year. The numbers have remained the same. The reasons are several, right from stress, health problems to financial issues and marital problems."

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old man, whose body was found hanging outside the psychiatric department of KEM hospital on Monday, has been identified as Darshan Bansode. He was believed to be depressed as his mother was undergoing treatment for paralysis at the same hospital and facing acute financial crisis.

Number of suicide cases in Mumbai in 204 till August - 581
Male - 312
Female - 269
Women killing themselves after 7 yrs of marriage - 140

Suicides figures
Year Total Male Female
2013 1322 831 491
2012 1296 763 534
2011 1162 640 522

Watch out for these signs
Talking about wanting to die
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Withdrawal or social isolation
Showing rage or seeking revenge
Mood wings
Sleeping too little or too much

How to deal with a suicidal person
Dos
Let the person know that s/he is not alone. The right words are unimportant. If you are concerned, your voice and manner will show it.
Let the person talk about his/her despair and vent anger, no matter how negative the conversation seems
Be sympathetic, non-judgmental, patient, calm, accepting.
Reassure the person that help is available and that the suicidal feelings are temporary. Let the person know that his or her life is important to you.
If the person says things like, "I'm so depressed, I can't go on," ask the question: "Are you having thoughts of suicide?" This will show that you are concerned.

Don'ts
Argue with the person. Avoid saying things like: "You have so much to live for," "Your suicide will hurt your family," or "Look on the bright side."
Appear shocked, lecture on value of life, or say that suicide is wrong.
Promise confidentiality. Since you may have to speak a mental health professional to keep the suicidal person safe, you will break your promise in that case.
Offer ways to fix their problems, or give advice, or make them feel like they have to justify their suicidal feelings. It is not about how bad the problem is, but how badly it's hurting your friend or loved one.
Blame yourself. You can't "fix" someone's depression. Your loved one's happiness, or lack thereof, is not your responsibility.

Helpline numbers 1860- 266234522- 2570600
BMC's Hitguj Helpline: 022 224131212