‘Identify suicidal tendencies early, save lives’

Vijayawada: Identifying ‘signals’ of

suicidal

tendencies and treating them on time helps prevent suicides and 80% suicides in the city were due to stress and family problems. City-based psychologist Dr RK Ayodhya pointed this out as he participated in a World Suicide Prevention Day rally held in the city on Tuesday from Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium to Gandhinagar. He also pointed out that suicidal tendencies in the youth of the state is alarming and pressure in schools and colleges is a major reason for this.

“Depression, loneliness, failures, financial crisis are the main reasons promoting suicidal tendencies. Sharing pain with beloved ones usually helps overcome suicidal tendencies,” he said, adding that family should become a source of strength to the youths. “Head of the family should understand the interests of family members. Parents should not insist upon their children to take up courses they don’t like,” Ayodhya went on to say.

He pointed out that parents should consult a psychologist if they notice sudden changes in the behaviour of kids. “One should never stigmatise consulting psychologist,” he added.

Speaking on the occassion, another psychologist Dr Kaja Manasa said that identifying persons with suicidal tendencies is important to prevent deaths. “Sudden dullness, hopeless words about life, procuring meansfor suicide can be considered as the symptoms of suicidal tendency. We should show love and affection to such persons and listen to their problems patiently,” she said.

Mocking or bullying will only weaken them further and provoke them to take decisions in haste, she added.