St Thomas Indian Orthodox Monastery & ESH Jointly Observes World Suicide Prevention Day

India/Kerala/Palakkad:  The St.Thomas Ashram, Attappady and the Santhwanam Emotional Support Help line (ESH) jointly observed the World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, 2014 by lighting a candle at 08PM in the Chapel to remember those who committed self harm and the scores of people affected by suicide committed either by their loved ones or friends. Fr.M.D.Yuhanon Ramban, Acting Acharya of the Ashram lighted the candle in the presence of Fr. Varghese Mathew(Director,Gethsemane Retreat Center), Dr. Siby Tharakan (Director,Mission Projects), Ashram children and staff.

The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize World Suicide Prevention Day as an important day in the international calendar. World Suicide Prevention Day brings together individuals and organizations with an interest in suicide prevention, and mobilizes efforts to save lives.

A brochure depicting warning signs and protective factors of suicide, prepared by Santhwanam Emotional Support Help line (ESH) was also released at the function. Dr. Siby Tharakan, Chief Mentor, Santhwanam ESH,  explained the function of the Help Line. The volunteers of theFree Help Line ( 7025067695 ) receive calls made by people who feel hopeless, alone, depressed or helpless and respond to them in a non judge mental way with love and compassion. They motivate people who are depressed to have a happy life through the best way possible. Apart from managing emotional support help line Santhwanam conducts awareness building programmes in schools, colleges, religious institutions and other organizations.

Suicide is a major public health problem in the world. The psychological pain that leads each of the individuals to take their lives is unimaginable. Their deaths leave families and friends bereft, and often have a major ripple effect on communities.

Suicide is the fifth leading causes of death among those aged 30-49 years in 2012 globally, and is the second leading cause of death in the 15-29 years age group in 2012 globally. Overall, it is estimated that during 2012 for each adult who died of suicide there were over 20 others who made suicide attempts.

About 800,000 people commit suicide worldwide every year, of these 135,000 (17%) are residents of India, with 17.5% of world population. Between 1987 and 2007, the suicide rate increased from 7.9 to 10.3 per 100,000, with higher suicide rates in southern and eastern states of India. Among large population states, Kerala and Tamil Nadu had the highest suicide rates per 100,000 people in 2012. The male to female suicide ratio has been about 2:1.

The latest figures from the National Crime Records Bureau show that 8,490 people killed themselves in Kerala during 2012, the state accounting for 6.3 per cent of the total number of suicides in the country.

The suicides in Kerala were committed at a rate of 25.4 per 100,000 people, the statistics say.   The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data showed that the national average suicide rate was 11.1 per 100,000 populations during 2012.

Among 8,490 suicides in Kerala, 6,409 were committed by men and 2,081 by women. People aged between 45 and 59 committed the most number of suicides in Kerala, followed by people aged between 30 and 44. The statistics also say 66.3 percent of suicides in Kerala were committed by hanging. Compared to other states suicide rate among youngsters and family suicide are also on the higher side in Kerala.