Who Hurts When You’re Gone? Suicide Through the Eyes of Families

(Every year, World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October to rally around the cause and shed light on the issue. This year the theme is to raise awareness around suicide prevention, and we have republished this video in light of this.)

Video Editor: Kunal Mehra

Losing a loved one to suicide is a pain like no other. There's confusion, regret, heartbreak and usually, no closure. How do families cope once you’re gone? How can families best equip themselves to recognise the signs of depression and save lives?

The Families Left Behind

Through the stories of Raashi Thakran, who lost her brother earlier this year, Nyana Sabharwal, who lost her mother when she was 13, Shweta Mittal, who lost her maternal uncle, or Niraj Doshi who almost lost his life, watch how suicide impacts the lives of those around you.

Suicide, a subject so twisted with loneliness, depression and shame, is finally coming out of the shadows. As a community, we’re beginning to look mental health squarely in the eyes through an increasingly progressive discourse.

Families, friends, colleagues, co-workers and the entire community needs to build a supportive, safe space to help people with suicidal tenancies.

Besides, Nyana advises, “It’s extremely difficult, when you are vulnerable to reach out yourself for help. The community, your family and friends must step in.”

One of the toughest moments for Raashi was when, heartbroken and confused, she dove into suicide research in India only to find there is no national helpline. She then started a petition on Change.org asking Dr Harsh Vardhan and the ministry of health and family welfare to launch a national helpline number for suicide prevention in India.

(If you are suicidal or know anyone in distress, reach out to the numbers of local emergency services, helplines, and mental health NGOs here.)

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