Opinion | Suicide Among Adolescents & Family Support Thereof!

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever purposely throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, will be in the (Hell) Fire falling down into it and abiding therein perpetually forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, he will be carrying his poison in his hand and drinking it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever; and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in his hand and stabbing his abdomen with it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever” – Sahih Al-Bukhari – Book 71 Hadith 670

Suicide is Haram in Islam, to say is considered a major sin. And those who commit suicide will go to Hell and Allah will punish them. The rate of suicide cases in Kashmir is increasing with each passing day that too among adolescents. The elite class of the society including teachers, enlightened persons, respectable citizens have the major role in Society to educate the people, especially adolescents in the perspective of the Holy Quran. Youth suicides attempts are more common among girls in Kashmir. In the previous months we have witnessed many suicidal attempts either in sopore Or Srinagar. We should not act as mute spectators but we must ponder over it and redress the issues and challenges that adolescent boys and girls face. Be it unemployment, education,late marriage, dowry etc and these issues are increasing day by day. Some are glamorizing it which is totally sinful. Family has a lot of role to guide their adolescents so that they can not lose their track which will put them in astry. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people aging from 15-24 years old.The teen years are stressful life. They are filled with major changes and these changes include change in thought, change in feeling, feeling of stress, confusion, fear, doubt etc. He or she may also feel a pressure to succeed. A teens risk of suicide varies with gender, age, and other social influences. Any Adolescent whi express thought of suicide should not be left alone and should be evaluated immediately. Parents have a great role as they know their son Or daughter very well. We in the present time should be more vigilant towards our teens regarding the daily actions, their friend circle, their going and coming from the school or college. If you feel anything abnormal or unusual you should not wait but interfere in their affairs in a friendly manner in order to avoid committing any unpleasant activity. Suicidal behavior is when a teen is focussed on doing things that cause his or her own death. Normal development changes combined with stressful life events may cause a teen to think about suicide. Some adolescents are involved in drugs and if they are not being evaluated at right time this may also led to suicidal attempt. A parent at the present time has many responsibilities to tackle the day to day issues  in order to control their children. Some problems are very hard or embarrassing to overcome  change in friendships, problems in school and other losses.
Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire valley and has long lasting effects on the people left behind. We should teach our teens/adolescents moral lessons at home so that they should know the repercussions of committing suicide. Suicide is a serious health problem however suicides are preventable with timely evidence based and low cost interventions. In addition experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior. Suicidal are also highest anong venerable groups who experience discrimination such as migrants, teens, prisoners, etc. There are many signs of suicide which may also be the symptoms of depression, such as change in eating and sleeping habits, loss of intrest in normal activities, withdrawal from friends and family members, acting out behaviours and running away, alcohol and drug use, neglecting ones personal appearance and unnecessary risk taking. We must start up guidance and counselling cells in each secondary and higher secondary school to tackle this grave issue. The schools can also play the major role in reducing the suicidal attempts among the adolescents. Looking at depression side, which is considered the main factor behind the suicidal attempts among adolescents. We have witnessed many incidents post COVID-19 that people are feeling depressed which eventually rise the suicidal attempts especially among girl adolescents. Parents are more accountable than any one in the society who have look after their children.Many teens who attempt or die by suicide have a mental health condition. As a result they have trouble coping with the stress of being a teen such as dealing with rejection, failure breakups, school difficulties and family turmoil.  They might also be unable to see that they can turn their lives around and that suicide is a permanent response not a solution to a temporary problem. In such a situation the role of the parent is obligatory. They must be handled skillfully so that they can not end their life. If you suspect that your teen might be thinking about suicide, talk to him or her immediately. Don’t be afraid to use the word Suicide talking about suicide will not plant ideas in your teens head. Ask your teen to talk about his or her feelings and listen. Don’t dismiss his or her problems. Instead reassure your teen of your love. Remind your teen that he or she can work through whatever is going on and that you are willing to help. Also seek medical help for your teen. Ask your teen’s doctor to guide you. Teens who are feeling suicidal usually need to see a psychiatric in diagonising and treating children with mental health problems.
If your teen /adolescent is undergoing treatment for suicidal behavior remind him or her that it might take time to feel better. Help your teen follow his or her doctor’s recommendations. Also encourage your teen to participate in activities that will help him or her to rebuild confidence. Extra curricular activities can play an active role in changing the atmosphere among adolescents, it can be fruitful in channelising the instincts among the teens as well. Quality of family functioning and relationship may act as important contextual factor in deciding suicidal behaviour . Hence this study was done to explore the family factors contributing to suicide attempts. Hostile family environment, faulty interaction between family members and lack of perceived family support may contribute to suicidal behavior among adolescents and young adults. I bear the witness of three cases in area Darpora regarding the suicides that in different times young adults fall victim of this gruesome act. One thing is pertinent mention that a young adult from the same village made the suicidal attempt over the family disruption which clearly indicates that we should no do any type of activity before the children that may hurt the sentiment of young adult in your family.we must be enough catious to while dealing the family matters before the adults. Globally, suicide is one of the leading causes of death and considered a public health and social issue. According to WHO almost 80, 0000 die from suicide every year and this roughly corresponds to one death every 40 seconds. Suicidal behavior is complex behaviour. It consists of many components that act together and include a variety of biological, psychological, physiological and  social factors including family and other factors as well. Though suicide is regarded as a public health problem. It is a very personal decision that the individual makes. Finally we should create an atmosphere in our families that secures an adolescent to take any untoward step that may end his or her life. Keeping in view the present scenario all have to play the role in our families that every member feels peace and harmony come what may.
– The writer, a teacher by profession teaching at BHS Diver Lolab, can be reached at [email protected]