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Sanjay Dave, AhmedabadWorld Suicide Prevention Day is not just an occasion to discuss suicide statistics, it is an opportunity to ask a deep question to those who delude themselves into thinking that they are happy in life. Why is human endurance weakening despite unprecedented education, technology, comfort and communication..? Be it today’s generation or yesterday’s, human beings have always faced failure, financial difficulties, relationship problems, loneliness, illness and uncertainty. Yet many people today find their personal problems unbearable. The important point is not to treat it as a weakness, but to understand the psychological and social forces behind it.
Why does every problem seem so big..?When a person is emotionally overwhelmed, the brain’s ability to see alternatives can be limited. A temporary problem may appear permanent. So I’m a failure or there’s a failure inside me” becomes the mindset. A broken relationship becomes “my life is over”. Psychologists often describe this type of thinking as cognitive narrowing. Therefore, the size of the problem is not only determined by the problem but also by the person’s emotional state and available support.
The trap of comparison..!Social media has exacerbated another mental burden. Comparison people constantly look at someone else’s success, wealth, relationships, vacations, and accomplishments. They equate the other person’s “highlight reel” with their own personal struggles. This creates feelings of inadequacy, depression, and fear of falling behind. The question arises quietly. Why is everyone progressing except me..?”
Why people feel shy to share their pain..?One of the biggest obstacles is the fear of decision. People worry that others will call them weak, unsuccessful, dramatic, or mentally unstable. Men in particular may feel pressured to appear strong, while young men may fear disappointing their parents. As a result, emotional pain remains hidden. Silence can be more dangerous than the problem.
Does the nuclear family contribute to this..?A nuclear family is not inherently responsible, but its structure can sometimes reduce emotional support. Earlier, multiple generations often lived together, giving more opportunities to share concerns with grandparents, relatives and other family members. Today, parents may be busy with careers, children may be immersed in the digital world, and family communication may be limited to education, money and practical responsibilities. So the real issue is not whether the family is nuclear or joint. The issue is whether the family provides emotional security or not.
Have we forgotten the meaning of endurance..?Previous generations were certainly not free from mental anguish. However, many people have developed resilience through repeated exposure to difficult situations, community relationships, and the uncertainties of life. Today’s generation often grows up with instant communication and instant gratification. When expectations of immediate results collide with reality, frustration can be intense. But endurance does not mean silently bearing everything. Healthy resilience means learning to stop, get help, adapt and try again.
Problem solving starts with communication..!Suicide prevention cannot be the responsibility of psychiatrists and governments alone. Families, schools, workplaces, friends and communities all have a role to play. Instead of saying, the question needs to be changed from “where are you stuck in handling?” Listening without immediate judgment, advice or criticism can be an important form of support in itself. And all of that will be acceptable.
In short, perhaps the greatest crisis of modern life is not the lack of communication but the lack of meaningful connection. We have thousands of contacts on our phones, yet many people still feel that no one really understands them. So World Suicide Prevention Day reminds society of a simple truth: People don’t always need someone to solve their problems, sometimes they need someone who is willing to sit by their side and face them…maybe that’s why it’s said to stand by someone’s head and see, every broken person will be healed…!
When one is going through hard times it seems permanent – but feelings can change, circumstances can change, and life can change. Asking for help is not weakness. It is an act of courage.