Suicide, taking your own life, is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations. It is the third leading cause of death among young adults worldwide. There is a growing recognition that prevention strategies need to be tailored to the region-specific demographics of a country and to be implemented in a culturally-sensitive manner. This review explores the historical, epidemiological and demographic factors of suicide in India and examines the strategies aimed at the prevention of suicide. There has been an increase in the rates of suicide in India over the years, although trends of both increases and decline in suicide rates have been present. Distinct from global demographic risk factors, In India, marital status is not necessarily protective and the female: male ratio in the rate of suicide is higher. The motives and modes of suicide are also distinct from western countries. Preventive strategies implemented at a community dfgdglevel and identifying vulnerable individuals may be more effective than global strategies.
Demographics of suicide in India:
Traditionally, the risk factors associated with suicide, including suicidal attempts – include young age (15-24 years), female gender, low educational attainment, unemployment, living alone, and history of socioeconomic deprivation. The Important demographic factors are:
- Age
- Adolescents and young adults
- Gender
- Education
- Family structure
- Urban vs rural residence
- Occupation
- Precipitating events
RISK FACTORS:
Mental disorders (particularly depression and alcohol use disorders) are a major risk factor for suicide in Europe and North America; however, in Asian countries impulsiveness plays an important role. It is often reported that rates of psychiatric disorders are higher among suicide completers in developed countries relative to developing countries, though under-diagnosis in developing countries is a possible explanation.
A stressful life event, such as loss of loved one, break-up or financial or legal problems.
A substance abuse problem alcohol and drug abuse can worsen thoughts of suicide.
A family history of mental disorders, suicide or violence.
Homosexual with an unsupportive family
Attempted suicide before.
CHILDREN & TEENAGERS:
Suicide in children and teenagers often follows stressful life events. What a young person sees as serious and insurmountable may seem minor to an adult- such as problems in school or the loss of a friendship. In some cases, a child or teen may feel suicidal due to certain life circumstances he or she may not want to talk about. Some of these include;
Having a psychiatric disorder, depression
Loss or conflict with close friends
History of sexual abuse
Problems with Alcohol, drugs
Becoming pregnant
Having a sexually transmitted infection
HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT:
Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of medicine is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the signs and symptoms related to suicidal thoughts from which the patient is suffering . The aim of Homeopathy is not only to treat psychic conditions related to suicidal thoughts but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. The management part in such disorder belong to positive motivation on the part of the physician and the attendants of the patient. There are the following remedies which are helpful in the treatment for the symptoms reflecting suicidal thoughts:
Anacardium Fearfulness about the future with presentment of approaching misfortune and supposition that he is surrounded by enemies, helpless state of mind and extremely sluggish, tendency towards suicide by shooting , irresistible desire to curse and swear, fixed ideas and hallucination, cowardice and loss of will power, a slight offence makes him vehement, angry and malicious.
Antim crude Loathing of life, suicidal thoughts with desire to commit suicide, great sadness and weeping, anxious reflection in relation to the present or future, sentimental and distrustful.
Antim tart suicidal thoughts, senseless frenzy, with inclination to suicide, mental lassitude and weakness of mind, timid, restlesness, constriction between mind and will.
Aurum met Suicidal ideas and insanity from depressing emotional troubles, religious mania from hepatic disorders, hallucinations of sight, ailments from grief, disappointed love, from mortification, fear, religious anguish and longing for death, being unfit for this and the other world.
Psorinum Suicidal thoughts, hopeless, despair of recovery, fear of failure.
Arsenic album Great anguish and restlessness. Changes place continually. Fears, of death, of being left alone. Suicidal thoughts with lack of courage. Suicidal dispositions after midnight, from delusions, after frgiht.
Staphisagria Violent outbursts of passion. Hypochondriacal, sad, very sensitive as to what others would say about. Suicidal thoughts with fear of death., from sadness. Ill effects of anger and insults.
Other important medicines mainly include:
Natrum sulph, Carcinosin, Capsicum, Hepar sulph, Ignatia, Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Rhus tox, Alumina, Argentum nitricum, Kali brom, Naja and many other medicines according to constitution & Symptoms. But always take homoeopathic Medicines under supervision & guidance of Registered Homoeopathic physician Otherwise it may produce harmful effects.
Dr. R. K. BISWAS
B. H. M. S., M. D. (Homoeo)
DR.RUCHI BISWAS
B. H. M. S, M. D. (Homoeo)
Professor & H. O. D.
Sriganganagar Homoeopathic Medical College ,Tantia University
