100, 000 people commit suicide every year. The causes of suicide are feelings of isolation, professional or career issues, violence, abuse, family problems, mental disorders, alcohol addiction, loss of money, and so on.

On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, a panel discussion was organized to raise a concern about the increase in the number of suicide cases in India and West Bengal in particular.

The panel discussion was graced by actress Sudipta Chakraborty, Chaiti Ghoshal, psychiatrist Dr. Tirthankar Dasgupta, motivational leader, and trek leader Madhabilata Mitra, Head of 91.9 Friends FM Jimmy Tangree, Indrajyoti Sengupta, motivational speaker and leadership trainer, Mohon Bose, graphologist, and others.

It was moderated by Debajyoti Banerjee, digital marketer, founder, and director of Seven Boats Info-System Private Limited.

“The problem is people expect much more from the beginning. This leads to depression and an increases in suicides. One must take small steps in their career to achieve success. Rome was not built in a day. Likewise, it is important that they take small steps to reach their goal. Then there will be no depression” said Sudipta Chakraborty.

Chaiti Ghoshal said “A young actress after acting in a single serial is given celebrity status. As a result, she has to spend a good amount on buying a big car, costly smartphones, and so on. This results in them spending more than she is earning. When she cannot find work later, there is societal pressure and also the fact that she has to maintain her status. This also leads to suicides. One must be contented and not think that they have become a celebrity with six months of fame”.

Madhabilata Mitra stressed how she still purchases clothes from Delhi’s Janpath Market and uses them. “We will die eventually. Why do we need to take our lives? Be focused on your work, be contented with your achievements, and do not think about what will happen tomorrow. Live in the present” added Madhabilata.

Jimmy Tangree stressed how communication can help suicidal people to decrease this instinct and lead a better life.

A book AMAL- Suicide prevention awareness compendium was launched by the panelists.

#HumJiyenge is an initiative by Seven Boats that helps in spreading awareness about suicides and providing a place for people to speak about their anguish and get support.

With this event, it was highlighted that the time has come to create a culture where mental health can be talked about and suicides can be prevented.

Priyanka Dutta