"Arise, awake from the hypnotism of weakness."
-Swami Vivekananda.

There's a famous pro-verb, which goes something like this-a coin has two sides. True it is and not just coin but it applies to even life, which obviously has two sides—the good and bad. Each time you across a bad person, you will feel sad but did you ever concentrate on how nice you feel the moment you think of the good people around you? Probably not all those who allegedly end up wrapping up their lives all of a sudden thinking the life battle on the earth is all over.    

Why should one commit suicide? Is it written in any constitution that right to life is right to commit suicide? Or in any of the holy book that ending life abruptly is the best way of fighting issues? No, certainly not. Every person on this earth has problems as life is no bed of roses but endless series of experiments until death comes in all of a sudden without ringing bell. Having problems doesn't mean one should go in search of death.  If you are also in the same thought, then friends, please join hands with us in preventing suicides. On the World Suicide Prevention Day today, take an oath that you treat suicide a crime equal to murder and rape and therefore prevent, persuade and educate the people over the same.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention in association with World Health Organization marked September 10 as the World Suicide Prevention Day and appealed people to spread awareness  as to how worst and ugly is the act and thought of suicide. In fact, the World Health Organization observed that at least 3000 persons die across the world daily due to suicides.  Andhra Wishesh was astonished to note the figure and met several eminent personalities to find a solution in order to cease the suicide rate.

When asked one of the psychologists as to what could be the main reason behind suicide, she said a majority of people who commit suicides are those who think that there are no alternatives (TANA). This TANA approach to life makes their days so miserable that they feel ending up the life is the best solution, which isn't. Further, she said people who fall under this category includes those who suffer from marriage problems, family problems, financial problems, social problems, harassment and sexual abuse. They, therefore,  think they would feel relieved if they die. However, death is no solution since one doesn't know as to where one goes after death, she added. She even said several parapsychologists were conducting researchers that the soul of those who commit suicide never departs to the other world and therefore suffer more that what they suffered when they were alive, she added. She even said that for every problem on earth, there's not just one solution but a series of solutions. And therefore one should focus on solution but not on suicide.   She even mentioned that her many of her clients-who have thoughts of suicides-approach her with this TANA approach and then after a few sessions of counseling, they would develop there are always alternatives (TAAA) approach.

There's also other category, which has people who end up their lives for physiological reasons, said a pathologist. People who have been addicted to drugs often develop mental instability and tries to end life. Also, people with extreme depression might think of suicide. In this case, it's the duty of the care takers of these persons to ensure that they are exposed to good environment. They should also be taken to the places where they can see what the actual suffering is and how people are still fighting the problems. Apart from this, anti depressants can also bring in a lot of change. Therefore, regular visit to doctor is a must.

Some tips to follow if you hear word suicide from someone close to you:

• Take him/her to a counselor

• Make sure you listen to his/her problems in case counselor is not available

• Ensure that he/she wakes up early in the morning and goes for a walk at least on the terrace

• Take him/her to a doctor if he/she abuses drug

• Tell him/her that there are n number of solutions to his/her problems

• Instil the sense of fighting spirit

• Make him/her view the services of sisters of charity

• Tell him/her the tale of Mother Teresa

• Take him/her to Rama Krishna Mutt

• Make him/her listen to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda

Most importantly, tell people that 'life is always beautiful just like a rose with a thorn. Will you stop loving a rose just because of the thorn? Enjoy the life if you can. If you can't then serve the mankind and give warmth to the aged, hunger, abandoned and diseased but never ever think of death.' Live and let live!

(AW Phani)