Aspire Newsletter

Department of Psychology
September 2023
Edition #1

Breaking Down the Wall of Silence:

Busting the Top Myths of Suicide
Debunking the most common myths that surround suicide and
breaking the taboo that surround seeking help and mental health

How Islamic
Teachings
Address the
Issue of Suicide
An insight into the Islamic
perspective regarding
suicide and its effects

Navigating the Alarming Rise of Teen

Suicide in India: A
Journey of
look into the crisis
Suicide Ideation An analysis of the alarming increase in
suicides among teens across the
A look into some of the most
country
common symptoms of suicide
and ways to identify them in
order to prevent the act
 HOW ISLAMIC TEACHINGS
ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF SUICIDE
Faizah Fathima bint Mohammed Siddique

Suicide is the act of taking one’s life or killing oneself due to difficulties or calamities that happen in our lives or it
could be even a mental illness that could have caused the person to commit such an act. Suicide is the world’s
fourth biggest cause of mortality especially among the ages 15 to 29 but if you look closely suicide rates are
relatively low in Muslim countries, which is mainly due to the religious beliefs that Muslims hold.

Suicide is forbidden and is considered a major sin in Islam and this is due to the fact that Muslims believe that
Allah (SWT) has the right to give and take life and it is our responsibility to nourish and protect it.

It is clear from this hadith that if a person commits suicide,

Prophet (S.A.W.) said:
“Whoever purposely throws himself from
a mountain and kills himself, will be in the
(Hell) Fire falling down into it and abiding
therein perpetually forever; and whoever
drinks poison and kills himself with it, he
will be carrying his poison in his hand and
drinking it in the (Hell) Fire wherein he will
abide eternally forever; and whoever kills
himself with an iron weapon, will be
carrying that weapon in his hand and
stabbing his Abdomen with it in the (Hell)
Fire wherein he will abide eternally
forever.
(Sahih Bukhari: 5778)
paradise will be forbidden for him and he will eternally abide in
the dark holes of hellfire, killing himself again and again just like
the way he killed himself in this life. Now that’s a scary scenario
and we as Muslims should remember that this life is temporary
and it will vanish one day. The trials and tribulations that we
face in this lifetime are tests from Allah (SWT) and it is how life
works. Remember: Allah (SWT) doesn't burden a soul beyond
what it can take. So have faith in Allah (SWT) and He will surely
send His help in any way possible. Tests and tribulations are
part of our life and we as Muslims should have complete faith in
Allah (SWT), and surely He will remove this calamity from us
and He will surely reward us for our patience and perseverance.
 ALARMING RISE OF TEEN
SUICIDE IN INDIA: A LOOK
INTO THE CRISIS
Huda Sultana Noor

Suicides account for a fourth of deaths, making it among the leading

causes of mortality rates among the youth in India. One of the biggest
reasons for suicides, among the teens, is academic failure and pressure.
Other factors contributing to suicides include socio-economic status,
discrimination, peer pressure, bullying, and abuse. There has been a rise
in suicide rate during the result announcments of various competitive
examinations and board examinations. Unable to handle failure or not
being able to handle the pressure pushes the person to take such extreme
measures.

STATISTICS
According to National Crime
Records Bureau’s (NRBC)
Accidental deaths and
suicides report, over 13,000
students commited suicide in
2021. That accounts to an
average of 35 deaths per day.
This is a 4.5 per cent rise
from the previous year with
Maharashtra accounting for
the most deaths followed by
Tamil Nadu.
For this very reason, the government
and schools have employed mental
health professionals to help students
approach them when they are in
need of help. There has also been a
suicide prevention helpline set up by
the government to help people cope
with suicidal and self harm thoughts.
These initiatives have helped people
gain access to help in times of need.
Despite the initiatives that the
government and other institutions
have implemented, there has been a
significant rise in the suicide rates
over the years.

Taboos surrounding mental health discourage youth from seeking help when
they need it in order to cope with pressure in a healthy way. In the face of
challenges that life throws at them and when they cannot handle the stress
of a constantly changing environment, they resort to unhealthy coping
mechanisms or commit suicide to put an end to the pain.

Though there have been significant initiatives to help students overcome

mental issues and suicidal thoughts, the suicide rates have been alarmingly
high and only ever-increasing. This begs the question: what needs to be
changed? This is an issue that can no longer be ignored and a concern that
requires immediate attention. Drastic measures need to be taken in order to
reduce the suicide rates before they claim more precious lives, for the youth
are the future of the nation.
 BREAKING DOWN THE WALL OF SILENCE:
BUSTING THE TOP MYTHS OF SUICIDE
Roshni S.A

Millions of individuals worldwide are impacted by the very disturbing and complicated problem of suicide. We
frequently have misconceptions and fallacies about suicide in our discussions, which makes it difficult to comprehend
this important subject. To encourage educated conversation and eventually prevent suicide, it is critical to bust these
myths with actual facts.

One widespread misunderstanding is that suicides are completely unpredictable.

Although it can be difficult to predict an individual's conduct, several risk variables
MYTH 1: SUICIDES ARE have been found in the investigations. Previous suicide attempts, mental health
issues, substance abuse, having access to lethal means, a history of trauma, and
UNPREDICTABLE social exclusion are all major risk factors, according to the World Health
Organization (WHO). Knowing these signs can make it easier to recognize people
who are more at risk and to commence early intervention.

WINTER
Some people think that talking to someone who could be on the verge of

MYTH 2: DISCUSSING
suicide could push them even further. That is untrue. Open and

VEGETABLE
compassionate conversations about suicide can offer crucial assistance.
According to research released by the National Institute of Health, talking to
supportive people can help at-risk people cease to think about taking their
SUICIDE ENCOURAGES IT
own lives. It is critical to motivate those in need to look for professional
help.
GARDENING
The idea that suicides cannot be prevented is potentially the most dangerous one.
Evidence points to the contrary. A thorough strategy incorporating crisis hotlines,
MYTH 3: SUICIDES community support initiatives, and mental healthcare professionals can significantly

CANNOT BE PREVENTED improve outcomes. For instance, studies revealed in the National Library of
Medicine demonstrate that programs that train people to identify and help those
who are at risk of suicide can lower suicide rates.

Tragically, suicides are very common. The World Health Organization

MYTH 4:WINTER
estimates that 700,000 people worldwide commit suicide each year, making
it the fourth most significant cause of death for people between the ages of
SUICIDES ARE
15 and 29 worldwide. Seventy-seven percent of suicides worldwide take
place in countries with low to middle incomes. Among the most popular VEGETABLE
RARE.
GARDENING
suicide methods worldwide are pesticide ingestion, hanging, and the use of
weapons.

Warning indicators and alterations in behaviour frequently occur before suicide.

MYTH 5: "SUICIDE These warning indicators may include estrangement from loved ones, giving

HAPPENS SUDDENLY AND

away of priced possessions, anhedonia symptoms, or expressions of the "triad
of depression," which includes feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and
WITHOUT WARNING" hopelessness. The ability to spot these symptoms and act promptly can save
lives.

In conclusion, eliminating these falsehoods is essential for effectively addressing the global suicide crisis. Suicide can
be avoided, but it takes a collective effort to deal with the underlying factors, offer support, and raise mental health
awareness. Let's apply this comprehension to create a society where everyone feels valued and taken care of even in
their darkest hours.
NAVIGATING THE JOURNEY OF
SUICIDE IDEATION
Mishal Shaik

Here are 7 practices that alert you for suicide prevention.

1. Wanting isolation, less interaction with family and friends.
2. Drastic mood swings, easily angered or saddened, and prefers sleeping all the time.
3. Increased risky activities, and usage of drugs and alcohol.
4. Giving away important possessions or financial assets and writing a will.
5. Saying goodbye to friends and family suddenly.
6. Do activities they usually don't do.
7. Becoming overly emotional and zoning out often.

The Prophet (SAW) said: Whoever relieves the hardship of a

INDIAN SUICIDE
believer in this world, Allah (SWT) will relieve his hardship on
the day of Resurrection.

HELPLINE (Hadith reported by Imam Muslim).

NUMBER If these unusual practices are observed please call for

91 9820466726 immediate help since a life can be saved.
Source: nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention
If you ever have suicidal
thoughts or observe
someone having them,
then please reach out for
help. You could save
someone’s life.