No suicide

As the world observed the Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, suicide remains a threat to society that damages family and creates trauma for many others. Youths, aged between 15 and 30 years, are more prone to suicide. Depression, mental illness and injustice often lead some vulnerable people to take this path. Like certain depressing situation in some other countries, the tendency to commit suicide is emerging as a new phenomenon in Bangladesh as people are running after material gains without looking after their near and dear ones.

So, we should try to make our children more tolerant to realities surrounding them and help them lead a life with love and care when society is increasingly getting restless. Family bond and friendship can help people become more positive about life. The media has a role in spreading positive messages about life and future. The government should open a helpline so that people suffering from depression are provided with a variety of assistance to come out of negative thinking and lead normal life. Counselling or psychotherapy can be an important part of treatment for depression and mood disorders. We have to make a caring society where everyone should feel s/he has respect and something to contribute to collective well-being.

Sajjad Hossain

Gulshan, Dhaka