Self-harm isn’t a new occurrence as far as social ills are concerned in our community. However, it is definitely on the rise among teens and young adults of this century. 

It is not uncommon to go on social media early one morning, only to come across graphic images of people having harmed themselves and posting those pictures online in what can only be called a cry for help.

Image Via FB

Though this has been happening time and again ever since the inception of the Internet, the reaction that this happening garners varies across different societies around the world.

Statistics stand proof that suicide is an epidemic that is highly prevalent amongst the Malaysian Indian society. The high suicide rate amongst our community is not shocking as it is not an over-night turn over. Experts have linked self-harm to suicide, saying many cases of prolonged self-harm results in suicide.

With that being said, the way the Indian community reacts to self-harm and suicide is disappointing with many discouraging discourse on the matter, shaming those suffering from these conditions and viewing something that is a disease as a sign of weakness. However, the reaction is different when it comes to physical ills such as heart diseases and diabetes. It is high time that we as a community start understanding that the brain too is an organ and is capable of malfunctioning or falling ill just like any other organs in our body.

Image Via FB

Stop stepping on the weakest amongst us. Let’s give these people a helping hand, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Approaching this issue positively is sure to garner positive results for our society on the whole, as many lives who are actual assets to our community can be saved, securing a better future for the Indians in Malaysia. 

So the next time you see someone posting such pictures or statuses on social media, reach out to give help. Or pass them the contact details of those who can help them. The following are a few of the organizations that one can reach out to when in need of help. We are only dealt one life. It is up to us to make it count.

Befrienders:

Call the hotline  603-79568145 or email sam@befrienders.org.my

Zero Depression:

FB: Zero Depression

IG: zero_depression

Malaysian Invisible Illness Association (MIIA):

FB: MIIA or email miia.org.my@gmail.com