Contemplating Suicide? Contemplate Again!
Suicide is a nationwide problem our island nation is faced with today. According to an official report produced by the Sri Lanka Police in the year 2020, a staggering number of 3,074 individuals committed suicide in that year alone. Out of that number, 2,484 were male while 590 were female. 86 were children between the age of 8 – 16. The latest statistics indicate a suicide rate of 15 per 100,000. According to Dr Neil Fernando, head of the National Institute of Mental Health in September 2011, almost 4,000 Sri Lankans die by suicide every year. Are you contemplating suicide today? If you are, I want you to think again. Here’s why?
Suicide is unfair to your Family
You are contemplating suicide today because you believe it’s a means to an end. It’s unfair to your family however because for them it can be just the beginning of a host of problems. Emotionally they will have to deal with your absence as long as they live. Socially they will have to endure the insults of society. (Sri Lanka is a nation driven by the shame culture after all) They will have to suffer financially if you are the breadwinner. Next time you have the urge to take your life remember it’s your family standing in line to suffer the consequences of your actions.
A deadly Role Model to Follow
The dictionary defines a “Role Model” as a person whose behaviour, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people. Experts have concluded suicide among adults has contributed to increased suicides among teenagers. When you commit suicide, you become a deadly role model the younger generation is likely to follow. You are implying suicide is the ultimate solution to every problem in life. Next time you have the urge to take your life remember it’s not only your life you will destroy but the lives of many others also.
Our Emotions are Deceptive
I know because I have experienced the urge myself at some point in life. Once the urge faded, however, I realized I don’t want to die. You see, emotions are deceptive. Let it be fear, disappointment, frustration, or anger emotions are not trustworthy. Have you seen people who attempted suicide and survived beg for life or how much people love life after surviving a suicidal episode in life? It’s because our emotions shift rapidly. I don’t know what your problem is, but I do know that you deserve to live. Next time you have the urge to take your life remember that your emotions are deceptive and don’t have your best interests at heart.
Every problem has a Solution
Right now, your pain may seem overwhelming and permanent. The truth is it’s not. Like I said before emotions are deceptive. They create the illusion there’s no way out of your situation. Every problem has a solution. The problem is your emotions such as fear, frustration, disappointment, and anger could cloud your judgment that you start believing suicide is the only solution to your problem and the path to relief from pain. Next time you have the urge to take your life, remember, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem because virtually every problem has a solution.
Wrap Up
Sharing suicidal thoughts and feelings with someone we trust is the first step in overcoming the urge to take your life. It might be at the end of a helpline, a family member, friend, therapist, member of the clergy, teacher, family doctor, coach, or an experienced counsellor. There are many individuals who wish to assist you through this difficult time, even if you may not feel like it now. If you would like to speak with a trained counsellor call Lanka Life Line on 0707-112112 or “Sumithrayo” at +94 11 2 682535 or +94 11 2 682570. You can even consider dropping me an email and I will connect you with people willing and capable of helping you. [Read my previous post “Thinking of an Affair? Think Again” in the event you missed it]
If you found this content helpful, I kindly ask you to leave your feedback in the comments section below. Sharing it on social media would also be greatly appreciated. In order to promote meaningful and respectful dialogue, I request that you use your full name when commenting. Please note that any comments containing profanity, name-calling, or a disrespectful tone will be deleted. Thank you for your understanding and participation.
In Sri Lanka, sex is considered taboo. Mainly because our definition of sex is narrow and limited to sexual intercourse. CONTINUE READING
Although the evangelical community prefers to think the late Ravi Zacharias sexual and financial scandal is an isolated incident it's CONTINUE READING