Hope and Life

A Reflection on World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

Hope and meaning

Shreekumar was a young man with a promising career and a loving family. From the outside, everything seemed perfect. But deep inside, Shreekumar was silently battling a war with himself—one that no one around him could see. He began to feel overwhelmed, and as hope slowly faded, despair crept in. One tragic day, unable to see a way forward, Shreekumar chose to end his life. The world lost a bright light, and his family and friends were left wondering what more could have been done.

Shreekumar’s story is heartbreaking, but sadly, it is not unique. Thousands of lives are lost each year to suicide, a devastating outcome of hopelessness that grips individuals when they feel there is no other way. On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we are reminded of the vital role hope plays in human life.

It is often said that a person can survive weeks without food, days without water, and minutes without air. But without hope, life can become so unbearable that people may choose to end it instantly, feeling as though there is no other escape from their pain. Hope is the invisible force that propels us forward in the darkest of times, giving us a reason to continue. Without it, the mind can become a prison, filled with thoughts of worthlessness and despair.

Building Hope During Times of Adversity

Hope is not something that always comes naturally, especially during periods of adversity, but it can be cultivated. Here are some strategies to foster hope and find meaning even when life feels insurmountable:

1. Focus on Small Achievements

   When life feels overwhelming, the big picture can seem daunting. Break it down into smaller, more manageable goals. Celebrating small wins can provide a sense of accomplishment and build momentum toward larger goals. Even a minor step forward can renew hope.

2. Stay Connected

   Isolation is one of the biggest dangers when facing adversity. Connecting with others, whether through family, friends, or support groups, can remind individuals that they are not alone. Shared experiences can foster hope and give us a sense of belonging and understanding.

3. Seek Professional Help

   In times of deep despair, talking to a counselor or therapist can make all the difference. Mental health professionals are trained to help individuals navigate their darkest moments, offering strategies to cope, reframe negative thoughts, and instill hope for the future.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude

   Mindfulness can help in grounding oneself during turbulent times. By focusing on the present moment, we can reduce anxiety about the future and regret about the past. Similarly, practicing gratitude, even for small things, can shift focus from what is wrong to what is still good and working in life.

5. Reframe Negative Thoughts

   Cognitive restructuring is a powerful tool to combat hopelessness. Learning to identify negative, self-defeating thoughts and replace them with more balanced, realistic ones can help break the cycle of despair. For example, rather than thinking, “I will never get through this,” try reframing it as, “This is hard, but I have faced challenges before and survived.”

6. Find Meaning in Suffering

   As Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychologist, famously said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Even in the most difficult circumstances, finding meaning can provide hope. It could be a commitment to a cause, a relationship, or a future goal that gives a sense of purpose.

Reaching Out on World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us all that hope is a lifeline, and no one should have to face life’s challenges alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s crucial to reach out, listen, and encourage seeking help. Small acts of compassion and understanding can plant seeds of hope in someone’s life.

Let us remember Shreekumar and the countless others like him. Their stories remind us that hope, though sometimes fragile, is a powerful force that can save lives. Together, we can nurture that hope, one conversation, one act of kindness, and one step at a time.

-Dr Kishor Adhikari