Masood-ur-Rahman Abbasi
MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The number of suicides being reported worsening Muzaffarabads suicide crisis. The capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has been alarmed, with 14 reported cases of people ending their lives by jumping into rivers in the last year. Instead of addressing the root causes of this ever-growing issue, authorities have adopted an unusual measure by placing a tent near the riverbank of Muzaffarabad to retrieve bodies rather than taking measures to prevent suicides in the first place.
It is alarming as a reflection of governance, showing that the government looks more intent on recovering bodies that have ended with this serious issue and tackling what could be propelling these people toward self-destruction. The tent in such a notorious location was indeed a grim reminder of this continued crisis.
The rising suicide rate raises critical questions about the challenges faced by the people of AJK. The economic hardship and unemployment have taken a toll on many, mostly the youth and women, and they feel that they have nothing to live for. With hardly any job opportunities and no psychological support, depression and despair force many to take this extreme measure alone. Not to forget the stigma that is latched onto getting professional help when required.
The mental health awareness system in the region is poor, with few facilities and support systems. There are hardly any helplines available for those wanting to open up about their problems. Experts warn that unless prompt measures are taken, things can only worsen. Instead of spending money on preventive measures such as counselling centres, employment schemes, and community outreach programs, the government has gone on a retaliatory spree.
According to Macrotrends, a premier research platform, Pakistan’s suicide rate for 2019 was 8.90, a 0 per cent increase from 2018, for the year 2018, it was 8.90, a 2.2 per cent decline from 2017. Pakistan’s suicide rate for 2017 was 9.10, a 0 per cent increase from 2016, and for 2016 was 9.10, a 1.11 per cent increase from 2015, indicating a rising crisis.
According to the renowned psychiatrist Professor Rizwan Taj, who also serves as the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, there were 2,295 recorded suicides in Pakistan between 2019 and 2020, with men committing the bulk of them (61.87 per cent) compared to women (38.12 per cent). Eighty-seven news reports of suicides were recorded between March and August of 2020 alone, and these tragic events have been covered by a variety of outlets. A total of 108 suicides were reported nationwide in 2011.
If someone is going through a similar issue, they can get help by considering the following tips. Seek support without hesitance, if you or someone you care for is experiencing difficulties, reach out to a good friend, family member, or mental health worker.
As good as it might sound in times one feels down, don’t isolate yourself as isolation can escalate depression. Stay in touch with the people you love and seek emotional support. One should also try to reduce stress by engaging in activities that can help decrease stress levels, such as exercise, meditation, or other creative hobbies.
Professional aid has been stigmatised in Pakistan for decades. However, counselling and therapy greatly assist the affected people in finding ways to cope with suicidal thoughts. Therefore, it shouldn’t be frowned upon. Instead, it should be encouraged massively.
Sharing your issues and talking helps. Communities must overcome this stigma of mental illness and talk openly about emotional well-being issues for their betterment.
In this present scenario of increasing suicide cases in Muzaffarabad and all across Pakistan, there needs to be swift action by the government. The number of youngsters facing unemployment, mental health care, and social support have to become integral measures to prevent further death tolls.
