"Many of us, at some point or the other, would have felt, ‘What is the point (of living)?’” stated psychiatrist Dr Kersi Chavda. "When someone around you voices this, most do not take them seriously,” he cautioned, speaking to Parsiana on October 12, 2022. "When verbalizing suicidal thoughts, most people are looking for response,” he stated. The consultant at P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre was speaking to Parsiana about how near and dear ones can watch out for suicidal thoughts and tendencies. When a theater personality died at her own hand early September 2022, a close friend who met her in Pondicherry in the April-May time frame told us that "she showed no sign of sadness… In fact she was very excited about a play she was to stage.”
Watch out for genetic dispositions towards suicide, suggested Chavda. "Has anyone else in the family or their close friends attempted suicide or talked about it? Then such people are more prone to committing the act… Telling them ‘Go for a walk’ or ‘talk to a friend’ is no solution… Such a person has to see a mental health professional,” he stressed. Dependence on drugs or alcohol or long- term illness can be precipitating factors towards suicidal ideation, he stated.
Close family members need to be aware of sudden personality changes. "Is someone who was generally happy suddenly showing signs of being low, or vice versa?” That should be a reason for those who care to sit up and take notice, stated the doctor. "Parents and family members need to be on their toes… Say to them ‘I do not want to intrude, but can I help?” advised Chavda.
The psychiatrist suggested that many may give warning signs over social media. "If anyone you know on social media sounds depressed and talks of suicidal thoughts and/or plans, it is a good idea to inform the police,” believes Chavda. "If the person is on social media (and does attempt to take his or her life), the police are going to go through the records and when they find out you knew, they are not going to be pleased.” The doctor believes that the police department is trained to investigate these cases sensitively, especially in the case of senior citizens. "You might be saving a life,” he stated.