Unmasking Suicide Myths
in Nepal
- Dikshya Koirala
In Nepal, as in many
parts of the world, suicide is a significant public health issue. The
government, in collaboration with organizations like Transcultural Psychosocial
Organization (TPO Nepal), established the National Suicide Prevention Helpline
to address this pressing concern. Having had the opportunity to work closely
with the helpline for a month, I have gained firsthand insight into the
importance of dispelling myths surrounding suicide prevention and advocating
for mental health support. In this piece, we will debunk common misconceptions
while highlighting the critical work being done to combat this issue.
The Global Reality of
Suicide
Before we delve into the
myths, it is crucial to understand the global scope of the problem. Suicide
ranks as the 15th leading cause of death worldwide, claiming nearly 700,000
lives annually, or roughly one life every 40 seconds. In Nepal, the situation
is no less alarming. According to Nepal Police statistics, an average of
seventeen people take their own lives daily. The most recent data from the year
2077/2078 recorded 7,117 annual cases of suicide in Nepal. These numbers
underscore the urgent need for effective suicide prevention measures.
Myth 1: Talking About
Suicide Encourages It
One of the most
persistent misconceptions about suicide prevention is the belief that openly
discussing it can increase suicidal thoughts or actions. Contrary to this
belief, discussing suicide openly is a fundamental step in prevention. It
provides individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts a safe space to express
their feelings and seek help.
Myth 2: Suicidal People
Always Show Obvious Signs
Another common
misconception is that individuals contemplating suicide always exhibit clear,
unmistakable signs. However, many people suffering from suicidal thoughts keeps
their struggles hidden. It is crucial to be vigilant and supportive of those
around us, even when there are no obvious signs.
Myth 3: Only Certain
People Are at Risk
Suicide can affect
anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Another common misconception
is that only certain demographics are at risk. In reality, everyone is
susceptible to the challenges of mental health, and it is crucial to provide
resources and support for everyone in need.
Myth 4: Suicidal
Individuals Are Simply Seeking Attention
Some people mistakenly
believe that those who express suicidal thoughts are merely seeking attention.
It is important to understand that suicidal ideation is a genuine mental health
crisis and dismissing it as attention-seeking behavior can be detrimental.
Myth 5: Mental Health
Support Is Optional
Perhaps the most
dangerous myth of all is the belief that mental health support is optional or
indicative of weakness. In truth, mental health is as crucial as physical
health, and seeking support is a sign of strength.
The Role of Suicide
Helplines in Nepal
Nepal has organizations
dedicated to helping those in crisis. In addition to the National Suicide
Prevention Helpline, there are other institutions, such as the Patan Hospital
Suicide Hotline (Number: 9813476123) and the Nepal Crisis Hotline, also run by
Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (Number: 16600102005). These helplines
are staffed by trained counselors who specialize in psychosocial support, risk
assessment, crisis intervention, and various grounding techniques to provide
immediate assistance.
Suicide prevention is a
critical issue that demands our collective attention and understanding.
Helplines like these play a vital role in debunking myths surrounding suicide
prevention and promoting mental health support. By dispelling these
misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of seeking help, we can
contribute to a society where individuals in crisis receive the support they
need and deserve.
Remember, reaching out
for help is a sign of strength, and there is hope and assistance available for
those who need it. Together, we can break the silence and make a difference in
the lives of those struggling with suicidal thoughts.