Sushant Singh Rajput commits suicide: Here are some warning signs of depression you should look out for

Former TV actor and popular Indian film star, Sushant Singh Rajput, who entertained cinema lovers all across with his innumerable performances sent shockwaves across the country with the news of his suicide. The 34-year-old actor reportedly ended his life by hanging himself at his Bandra residence, where he was living alone during the lockdown. The reason behind him taking this extreme step is not clearly known, however, early reports allege that he was suffering from depression for the past 6 months.

Throwing light on it, Dr Prakriti Poddar, a mental health expert, MD Poddar Foundation shares, "Depression is a hidden disease and the manifestations are as varied as the people it affects. In the entertainment industry, there is a lot of pressure to perform, not only on screen but off screen too by making right friends, being in news in the right manner, and being in touch with the right people. We have lost too many young and promising people in the entertainment industry to mental health issues. There are sporadic attempts to create a healthy atmosphere to people in the industry to talk about what's troubling them, but we are still struggling. We will probably never know what triggered this suicide, but possible reasons can be a restricted lifestyle due to lockdown and the resultant sense of isolation."

Rajput gained fame from a hit daily soap 'Pavitra Rishta,' after which he stepped into Bollywood. He was one of the brightest stars among the younger lot, who gave stupendous performances in films such as Kai Po Che, the biopic of MS Dhoni, Kedarnath and a film on mental health issues, Chicchore. The actor was last seen in a film on an OTT platform.

Incidentally last week, Rajput's ex-manager, Disha Salian also committed suicide after jumping off a high-rise building in Mumbai’s Malad area.

While it's still hard to believe that the actor took the drastic step, mental health specialists feel it is extremely important to discuss what one feels. We share an insight into why it's significant to talk it out instead of bottling up emotions.

While we have come a long way with regards to openly talking about mental health, especially with celebrities opening up about their struggles, it still remains a stigma among many. We live in a world where people still think that mental health is not a very serious matter. This incident is just another reminder that we need to break the silence and stigmas related to this health condition. Your mental health should be your priority but at the same time, you must be supportive of other people battling with a similar condition.

Dr Prakriti Poddar adds, "While some show signs that can indicate their suicidal tendencies, there are many who may never say or do anything to indicate that they may end their life. Talking about suicide, seeking access to the means such as guns, pills, or other objects that could be used in a suicide, self-loathing, and giving away prized possessions or making arrangements for family members are some potential indications. An episode of depression, psychosis, or anxiety, a significant loss, such as the death of a partner or the loss of a job, loss of social support, a personal crisis or life stress, especially one that increases a sense of isolation, and exposure to the suicidal behaviors of others, such as friends, peers, or celebrities can put an individual at a higher risk for suicide. The unrelenting pandemic has only added to it."

Depression is not the same as feeling low that we all experience after a bay day. It is much more complicated than that. It is a persistent sadness or loss of interest in daily activity, causing impairment in life. Depression is always connected to suicide. One can prevent such incidents if they pay attention to the people around. Here are some common signs of depression you must look our for.

• Having a negative approach toward life is the first sign of depression. One feels worthless, starts hating himself and blames for everything wrong happening in their life.

• The person suddenly loses interest in doing anything. Even pursuing their hobbies or playing sports, which they loved to do earlier.

• Depression is accompanied by a lack of energy or feeling of fatigue, which leads to excessive sleeping.

• A person suffering from depression also experiences changes in their appetite. Some eat a lot, while others do not feel that hungry. This leads to drastic fluctuation in their weight.

• It also becomes difficult for them to control their emotions. Sometimes they will be a happy mode and the next minute they may get angry.

If you have recognised these symptoms in someone close to you and think that they might take any drastic step then first of all, just share the information about the same to their family and friends.

No matter what, just don't leave them alone. They need your support now, more than ever. Listen to them without judging, arguing or yelling at them. Apart from that ask them to seek professional help.

Having a conversation is the best way to prevent suicide. If you suspect that any of your family member or close friend is considering to end their life then talk to them. Listen to what they have to say, without judging them or shouting. Here are a few things you must keep in mind while talking to someone.

Do not get hyper. Talk in a reassuring tone

Acknowledge that what they are feeling is obvious

Offer them support and encouragement to seek professional's help

There are times when we all have doubts about our future and feel low, but remember this is not the end. You cannot stop trying and end your life. If you are having suicidal thoughts, talk about them with your family or friends. You can also seek professional help or attend counselling or therapy sessions for it.