Just a few minutes of sympathy can save a life

Sometimes this pain accumulates and creates despair.\ And in such situations, some people make terrible decisions like ending their own lives.

The path of life is never smooth, there are various obstacles, there are unspoken pains. Sometimes this pain accumulates and creates despair. Where faith in life is lost. And in such situations, some people make terrible decisions like ending their own lives. News of suicide comes in the media every day. However, no matter how deep the crisis is—open discussion, sympathy and timely help can bring back a new light of hope. Psychologist Wahida Parveen spoke in detail with Channel 24 Online in this regard.

Every year, more than 700,000 people in the world commit suicide. That is, one person commits suicide every 45 seconds. The situation is also worrying in Bangladesh, where this rate is higher in villages than in cities. Suicide is not just a personal loss; its impact affects the family, society and the overall health system. According to psychologists, there are many reasons behind suicide, such as mental health problems, depression, anxiety, relationship crisis or social pressure, loneliness, death of a loved one, drug addiction, and common misconceptions.

There are many myths or misconceptions in society about suicide. For example, once you think about suicide, it stays with you for life, but this common belief is not correct. It is possible to change this tendency with proper treatment and support. There are some other misconceptions, such as the tendency to commit suicide is seen in serious mental patients, if one member of the family commits suicide, the same tendency will appear in the rest, or those who attempt suicide are just “attention seekers”—this is also a misconception. If someone fails once, they will not try again, suicide is more common in winter—this is also unfounded. Talking about suicide will increase the tendency in that person—this is wrong, but compassionate conversation can often save lives.

Psychologist Wahida Parveen said that some warning signs or warnings can be understood in advance of someone's suicidal tendencies, such as giving away their favorite things to others, isolating themselves, feeling lonely, suddenly behaving in a way that harms themselves, doing risky things (such as not paying attention while crossing a car or road, playing dangerous games), aggressive behavior or suddenly talking about death, making negative comments about themselves, saying I can't do anything, nothing will happen to me, etc.

A story of compassion

Wahida Parveen shared her experience with Channel 24 Online. She said that one night around 11 pm, a client called and said, "Two of my loved ones didn't pick up the phone, so I called you. I might end my life after finishing the conversation." Wahida Parveen said that she tried to calm the person down. After listening to the whole incident, she assured him that she would be with him. In a conversation of about 20-25 minutes, the client opened his mind. In between tears, he repeatedly said, "No one wants me, no one loves me." But this short period of sympathetic conversation brought him back from the suicide decision. The next day, he was able to sleep normally and later attended a therapy session. According to Wahida, this incident proves that just a few minutes of sympathy can save a person's life.

Psychologist's advice

Lastly, Wahida Parveen said, "As a psychologist, I want to say that it is very important to notice how the people around us are. Sometimes, just this small question, "How are you?", can have a big impact. The person may be able to share their pain, thoughts, or problems with you. Such a dialogue can ignite a new light of hope in their life.

Wahida Parveen said, "As a psychologist, I want to say that it is very important to notice how the people around us are. Photo: Made with AI
Wahida Parveen said, "As a psychologist, I want to say that it is very important to notice how the people around us are.

But one thing to remember is that we should never use judgmental or condemning language. For example, “Why do you want to commit suicide?” or “Is your problem bigger than others?”—such questions can have a negative impact on people. Rather, it is very important to show empathy, listen carefully, and understand their feelings. This will make the person feel that someone is there and they can talk openly about their problems.

If we realize that their problems are beyond our control, the best option is to refer them to a professional mental health worker. A professional will be able to better assess their situation and provide the necessary support. Sometimes just compassionate attention given at the right time can save a life and help people see a new perspective on life.

Suicide is preventable. The right steps at the right time, open discussions, and compassionate behavior can show a person a new way to live. Every caring question, every moment of compassion can save someone.