The Quiet Storm: Understanding the unspoken battle of suicidal thoughts

Cinema, as a powerful storytelling medium, has the ability to aware, inform, educate and interpret about various topics. Suicide, a complex and sensitive issue is, no exception. Bollywood, in particular has played a dual role in influencing public opinion on mental health and suicide. On one hand, Bollywood has brought conversation about suicide to public sphere, helping to break the stigma and encourage dialogue. On the other hand, it has reinforced damaging myths and stereotypes. The portrayal of suicide and mental health can be classified into two phases. These two phases reflect the change in the depiction of such issues and film industry’s understanding of its responsibility in shaping public perception. Through this we can critically analyze how Bollywood depiction of suicide influenced audience - sometimes for better, and sometimes for worse. 1.         EARLY DEPICTIONS Devdas (2002): Directed by Sajay Leela Bhansali, the film depicts the themes of hear...

Spirituality often misunderstood as a synonym of religion holds the potential to heal wounds that therapy and medication alone cannot. Being religious, means you are adhered to a set structure. Whereas, being spiritual is more individual oriented and unstructured, where you are tied to an unspoken connection in the way you want to. Many of you might wonder—why choose the path of spirituality when there are so many other options available? This question is natural, but the answer lies in what spirituality can offer beyond the conventional approaches to healing and self-discovery. Let’s explore the transformative power of spirituality in nurturing the mind and soul. In today’s world what are we are truly competing for? Material possessions things, of course. Deep down we all know this. Yet, we often find ourselves trapped in this never-ending vicious cycle. The relationships, friendships, success, and wealth but when we fail to attain them, it often leads to stress, anxiety, and other ...

In recent years, the world has witnessed the acceptance of LGBTQ individuals. People are being exposed to conversations of sexuality and gender. Many people would agree that social media has played a significant role in increasing visibility, but it's not the sole reason for rising acceptance. Many of us know that a community like LGBTQ exists through social media. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: while awareness has grown, so has the backlash. Instead of fostering understanding and support, many use these platforms to bully LGBTQ individuals, leaving negative comments and perpetuating hate. The question arises: After gaining awareness, what we have done? Are we even trying to build an inclusive society? If yes, then what about the rising suicidal cases among LGBTQ individuals? You may recall an incident that occurred around November, 2023. A 16-year-old queer child took their own life due to bullying. The class 10 student, studying in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh used to share make...

  Suicide is a sensitive topic, both in a society as well as in media. The way media covers suicide either raise awareness or cause harm. Media plays an important role in shaping public perception and particularly in the cases of such sensitive topics. The Suicide Contagion, a phenomenon by which an exposure to one’s suicide can trigger suicidal behaviour in others. On the other hand, the Papageno effect prevents suicide by promoting positive examples to ensure the management of the suicide crisis. This isn't to say that reporting suicide is inherently wrong. In fact, a responsible journalism helps to breakdown the stigma surrounding mental health. However, when news channels sensationalise such stories just for the sake of rating, is harmful. Using suicide to gain TRPs by glamorizing the act shouldn't be normalised. It’s crucial for the media to strike a balance between reporting facts and preserving the dignity and privacy of those involved. Case Studies: Media Hand...

As media plays a vital role in the mental and psychological health literacy in the recent times. Speaking assertively and carefully, with precise examples is fundamental to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. In the age where economy is driven by information, the demand for breaking news is high all the time and so as the pressure on mental health of journalists. This is a critical issue which is given little or no attention at all. Newsrooms are fast-paced environments, packed with tight deadlines and continuous pressure to produce content. A teacher might extend the assignment deadline once, but in newsrooms there’s simply no scope for it. This environment can have severe implications which can contribute in a range of mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, burnout and depression. Mental Health Crisis in Newsrooms There is an urgent need to recognize the importance of mental in newsrooms not only for the well-being of the journalists but also to ensure the i...

How do we react when we hear that someone has committed suicide? For many of us, it’s a moment that freezes time. The shock hits first, forcing us to question ourselves quickly. How could this happen? Why didn’t we see it coming? This is how we react, when we face this harsh reality that someone we knew or within our community felt that their pain was too much to bear. I remember the time when my 12 th board examinations were underway, and in the midst of it all, a girl in my neighborhood-around my age- took her own life just one day before the examination. The news shook me deeply. It was unimaginable that someone facing the same stress and pressure as me could feel so overwhelmed that she saw no other way out. Even, I found it impossible to focus on my exam after hearing the news. My mind kept drifting back to her. Guess what- the day she ended her life, her family had a marriage planned. The contrast was heartbreaking. A day that was supposed to be filled with joy and unlimited...