Pressure driving men to suicide

These men are mostly in the 30-50 years age group. According to the experts, they are seeking help out of frustration, generated primarily from job insecurity.

Failure to strike a balance between professional responsibilities and family expectations leads to this situation, say experts. Socio-economic changes force these men to work twice as hard to maintain their social status and lifestyle.

Psychiatrist Dr Chandra Chud of Care Hospitals says, “There is a major emotional deficit in family life. The husband, wife and children are not able to spend quality time together, leading to a lot of frustration. Men are also suspicious of their wives, which further complicates the issue.”

According to Dr Chud, in a bid to appease the family, the men work very hard under tremendous pressure, but when the family fails to acknowledge or appreciate their efforts, they are heartbroken.

Dr Praven Kumar C. explains, “Men often ‘commit suicide’ while women ‘attempt suicide’. This goes to show that they are determined to end their lives, which means that they let issues build up to such a level, where they can’t take it anymore. There is a strong need of government support for their counselling, as most of these men do not know where to go for help.”

Shanti K. of Roshini, a helpline centre, explains, “If a person feels miserable, unwanted, depressed or feels that he does not want to live any more such feelings must not be ignored. These are signs that something is wrong and they require help. If ignored, it increases the determination to kill oneself. Such feelings last between 48 to 72 hours. If help is sought, lives can be saved.

Meanwhile, Statistics reveal there were 12,328 suicides in undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2013. Four to six suicides occur every day, according to the National Crime Bureau Record on suicides, 2013-14. Once in 15 days, one parent commits suicide with his/her children.

Psychologist S. Srivastav said, “The World Health Organisation has given a mandate to all countries to curb suicides. However, efforts are not up to the desired level. We first need to deal with the stigma and also create awareness among people, regarding where they must go to seek help. Most are not aware, which is the biggest hurdle in controlling suicides.”

The best way to help these people is to encourage open communication, allow them to speak freely of their problems, said the experts.

Rohini Mathur, a counsellor at a centre in the city, said, “It is very important to listen and empathise with these patients without being judgmental. They need to vent their feelings and that chance must be given to them. When that is done half the problem is sorted out.”