The news of a young life lost to suicide leaves us speechless. Recently, our hearts were shattered when we learned that the daughter of one of our colleagues took her own life. She was full of promise, loved deeply by her family, and had a future ahead of her. But something went unnoticed—something she could not express, and we could not catch in time.
This incident has left an aching void in all of us, and the biggest question that now haunts our minds is, what could we have done? And more importantly, what can we do from now on to make sure this never happens again—to anyone?
Being parents as well as being responsible citizens, its high time to make not only a reflection—it’s a call to action. Let us not just grieve this loss but honor it by becoming more aware, more empathetic, and more vigilant.
Understanding Suicide: A Silent Crisis
Suicide is never just about the final act. It is the result of a long internal battle—a struggle that is often invisible. According to the WHO, more than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year globally. That’s one life lost every 40 seconds. In India alone, over 1.5 lakh people die by suicide annually, and many more attempt it.
The saddest part? Most of these deaths were preventable.
Behind almost every suicide is a person who felt unheard, unseen, or unloved. And very often, they were surrounded by people who cared—but didn’t know how to help.
The Warning Signs: What We Often Miss
One of the hardest truths is that many people who are suicidal do give signs, though they may be subtle. We must train ourselves to notice these. Some of the red flags include:
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or favorite activities
- Sudden mood changes – extreme sadness, then unexpected calmness
- Talking about death, dying, or feeling hopeless
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Dropping performance in academics or work
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Expressions like “You’ll be better off without me,” or “I can’t take this anymore”
We often dismiss these as “mood swings” or “just a bad day.” But in some cases, these are cries for help disguised as silence or sarcasm.
I can never forget those dark, helpless days when our son was caught in the grip of drug abuse at a prestigious engineering college. He was isolated, confined like a prisoner under house arrest—thousands of miles away from us. When the warden called and broke the news, my heart sank. I felt frozen… powerless. But I knew I couldn’t give up. The only lifeline I had was the dispensary’s landline phone. I clung to it like oxygen—calling again and again, just to talk, just to keep him engaged, to keep him alive—desperately trying to hold him back from the edge of something irreversible.
Listen, Don’t Dismiss
If someone tells you they’re feeling low, don’t rush to solve the problem. Just listen. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to without judgment can prevent a tragedy.
Say things like
- “I’m here for you.”
- “You are not alone.”
- “I may not have the answers, but I care deeply.”
Avoid saying:
- “Others have it worse.”
- “You’ll get over it.”
- “Don’t be dramatic.”
Empathy is not about fixing things. It’s about feeling with the person.
Mental Health First Aid: Things We All Must Learn
Just like we teach CPR to save lives in emergencies, we need to teach emotional first aid. Every parent, teacher, manager, and friend should learn how to respond when someone is emotionally bleeding inside.
Here’s what we can do:
- Talk About Mental Health Openly
Break the stigma. Let’s normalize talking about feelings, anxiety, depression, and trauma. - Check in Regularly
A simple “How are you, really?” can open doors to conversations that save lives. - Educate Yourself and Others
Attend mental health workshops, read up, and share your learnings. Encourage mental health literacy in schools and workplaces. - Encourage Professional Help
Therapy and counseling aren’t just for extreme cases. They are preventive tools too. Just like we don’t wait for a heart attack to visit a cardiologist, we shouldn’t wait for a breakdown to see a therapist.
A Special Note to Parents and Guardians
The suicide of our colleague’s daughter is a chilling reminder that children and teens face silent pressures we might not fully understand. Academic stress, peer comparison, social media anxiety, relationship confusion, or identity struggles can seem unbearable to young minds.
What can parents do?
- Be present, not just physically but emotionally.
- Create a safe, non-judgmental space at home.
- Watch for signs of distress, but more importantly, build trust so they come to you before distress shows.
- Avoid harsh comparisons or dismissing their feelings.
- Celebrate efforts, not just achievements.
Let your children know that it’s okay to not be okay.
For Schools, Workplaces & Communities
Mental health support must be part of our ecosystem—not an afterthought.
Schools should have:
- Emotional wellness classes
- On-site counselors
- Peer support groups
Workplaces should:
- Promote mental health days
- Train managers in empathetic leadership
- Provide access to confidential counseling
Communities must:
- Organize open conversations
- Build networks of support
- De-stigmatize therapy and medication
Let’s Build a Culture of Care
Imagine a world where asking for help is a strength, not a shame. Where people don’t wear masks to hide their pain. Where checking on someone becomes as routine as checking your phone.
We need that world. And we can create it—one conversation, one hug, one act of kindness at a time.
What You Can Do Today
- Reach out to 3 people you care about—just ask them how they are.
- Educate yourself about local mental health helplines and services.
- Post something supportive about mental health on your social media.
- Volunteer your time or donate to a suicide prevention or counseling organization.
- Be kind to yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
In Memory of a Precious Life
To the young soul we lost—your life mattered. Your story matters. And we promise to make it count. Your silent pain will not go unheard anymore. You have awakened us. And we will try—harder, deeper, better—to listen, to see, and to act before it’s too late.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Help is always available. You are never alone.
- India Helpline: 9152987821 (iCall)
- AASRA
- Find a Helpline
- I am feeling suicidal
There are also some centers in Guwahati that are making a remarkable impact in suicide prevention through compassionate psychological counseling and expert guidance. Their dedicated team of certified professionals provides a safe space for individuals battling emotional distress, offering hope and healing. With their ongoing awareness programs and one-on-one support, these centers are truly a lifeline for many in the community.
Let’s not wait for another goodbye to wake us up.
Let’s begin now.
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