Suicide Prevention

DOES EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR EMOTIONAL STRESS MAKE ONE MORE PRON TO COMMIT SUICIDE? WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS?

The emotions that we feel are derived from our circumstances, our character and our relationships with others. When thoughts are flowing naturally without impediment, we experience peace of mind and body. However, if there is a surge in thoughts of anxiety, the inner disturbance and agitation will cause unrest, making us emotional (udvega). In extreme cases, these thoughts will manifest in such high levels that we begin to dwell on committing suicide.

Our thoughts are like a train track. When a train (our mind) is running normally on a track (our thoughts), it is in fluid motion and there is no disruption. However, if the train were to suffer from some sort of internal engineering failure, it will derail. and could even kill thousands of passengers. If we have balanced thoughts, then we will feel calm and experience stillness. Conversely, if we lose control of our thoughts. then we will cause pain and suffering to ourselves!

Here’s another analogy: Emotional distress or emotional stress is like the snowball effect. As time passes by the cumulative effect of the bad emotions cloud your judgement to the point where we feel that there is no alternative, but to commit suicide.

What should you do when emotional distress arises?

When thoughts go beyond normality, you move from being in motion normal flow of thoughts) to being emotional. As a result, you become consumed with negative thoughts and you experience confusion, fear and inner turmoil. Here are some things you can do to take back control:

  • When you sense the onset of udvega, characterized by hyper-emotional thoughts, you should postpone any decision making. Any decisions made during this period will be irrational and detrimental to you. Only in a state of motion should you consider making decisions, as you are then in a balanced state of mind.
  • Alter your train of thoughts. If your present state of mind is making you emotional, then divert your mind towards other things that can calm you down and bring you stability.
  • Talk to yourself. Ask yourself if being emotional makes you happy or sad? What effects do such emotions have on your health? Once you recognize the adverse effects of being emotional, you will be able to better deal with
    the situations that come your way.
  • Stop self-negativity. Whenever your mind is caught up in negative thoughts, actively replace them with positive ones
  • Emotions like jealousy, envy, and competitiveness all reinforce emotional behavior. Therefore, recognize these emotions cause emotional stress within you and be conscious of their harmful attributes.
  • When you think you are on the verge of becoming emotional, focus your mind on a higher purpose or chant mantras. You will become calm and still from within.

The emotional state of the mind can be extremely damaging and dangerous, the effects of which can leave you susceptible to committing suicide. Therefore, be vigilant of your thoughts and do all you can to alter the way you are feeling. Do not allow the mind to linger on matters which will cause you to become emotional, unbalanced or depressed. If you find yourself losing control, reach out for help and support.

WHY DO PEOPLE COMMIT SUICIDE? WHAT CAUSES SUICIDAL THOUGHTS?

Suicidal Thoughts from a Spiritual Perspective Sadly, suicidal thoughts have become more and more common. With the unrelenting pressures of modern-day life, some people see their personal situation as completely hopeless. They feel that they have no power to change things for the better. They find themselves becoming immersed in total darkness and despair, with little hope of freedom.

So, what causes suicidal thoughts?

The causes of such acute depression and suicidal thoughts include:

  • he societal and peer pressure to excel and acquire material wealth. Thismanifests in all areas of life –  school, work and at home.
  • Financial problems
  • Conflicts in our relationships
  • Mental health conditions
  • Chronic illness
  • Sudden changes at work or in our environment
  • Repetitive feelings of Tam hopeless
  • Inability to be productive at work
  • A traumatic experience such as losing a loved one
  • Being continuously teased by our peers over something insignificant
  • Being bullied at school, work or home
  • Unemployment
  • Mental or physical abuse
  • Misuse of drugs or medication
  • A breakup or divorce

These things disrupt the peace of mind stability and happiness of a person. They are the reasons that people harbor thoughts of taking their own life.

The Role of the Intellect in Suicidal Thoughts

The role of the intellect is to keep differentiating between good and bad in every situation. It will constantly bother you from within with observations like, ‘Look what she said’, ‘He is paid more than me’, ‘Everyone always takes her side’, ‘My viewpoint isn’t being considered’, ‘Everyone always ignores me’. It is these thoughts that are the root cause of your suffering.

Therefore, as your intellect increases, so does your internal suffering. For example, the mother of a two-year old boy is dying, he will not be affected and will carry on laughing and playing. In the same
circumstance, the dying mother’s twenty-five-year-old daughter will have a lot of emotional suffering. The reason is that as we grow, our intellect develops and therefore we suffer more So the internal suffering we feel is in direct proportion to the amount of intellect we have. The greater the intellect, the greater the suffering.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A LOVERS’ SUICIDE PACT? IS SUICIDE FOR LOVE JUSTIFIED?

Tragically, lovers make suicide pacts and commit suicide to escape from social, political or cultural differences that prevent them from being together Because there is no hope of spending their lives together, they become desperate and end up taking their lives. There are others, who after the death of their partners, commit suicide out of fear of having to spend the rest of their lives alone.

However, the consequences of committing suicide are very grave. People believe it to be an escape from their suffering, but it will only result in greater suffering to come.

What happens when lovers commit suicide at the same time?

When two people make a lover’s suicide pact, they do so with the hope of being reunited in their next life. This is not possible because all future births are determined by one’s own individual karma They are bound in this life and the effects are experienced in the next life. Nothing can alter this science.

Therefore, it does not matter how strong of a desire you have to be united in your next life It is your individual karma that will determine your next birth.

How is karma bound?

Human beings bind karma by not knowing the answer to the questions Who am I?’ and ‘Who is the doer?’ Doership in any action binds karma. To believe that I am the doer is called binding karma.

Every one of us bonds karma during the unfolding of circumstances. During this time, we each have our own opinions and react differently. which determine the type of karma we bind. Because we all have different opinions and viewpoints, it is impossible for us to be born in the same location, at the same time, so that we meet each other again in the next life. Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan, who was an enlightened being, has exposed this science of karma. He spent infinite past lives seeking spiritual knowledge and the answers to questions like
What is Karma?”. “What is bondage?’ and What is liberation?’ for example.

Therefore; it is better to live your life in peace and harmony. Make a decision to handle all problems with composure, no matter how painful or excessive the suffering is. Make a firm resolve to look for
a solution and overcome your misery. Suicide should never be an option, because you will suffer the consequences in your next life.

What other solution is there, besides committing suicide for love?

Think about it… If you commit suicide, then you are giving up on any on any chance of being together. It is like running away from a fight, even before it has started. Instead, try these other solutions.

  • Be open and honest with your parents. Do not hide anything from them.
  • What qualities does your partner have? How do they make you happy?
    Explain these things to your parents.
  • Listen to your parents point of view as well.
  • Be patient and remain calm.
  • Be level-headed. Do not make hasty decisions.
  • Maintain open communication with all parties.
  • Try your best to convince your parents. After all, parents want to see that
    their children are happy. Do not go against their wishes. If you make
    your parents unhappy, then how can you be happy in life?
  • Do not allow conflicts to create division between you, your partner and your parents
  • If you really love each other, but you can’t be together, then you should pray for the other person’s well-being. That they remain happy wherever they are. That is the sign of true love.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF TEEN SUICIDE? WHY IS YOUTH SUICIDE ON THE RISE?

The adolescent years are particularly perceived as being an anxious and unsettling period for teenage boys and girls, as they face difficulties of transitioning into adulthood. It is a time in their lives where they often experience confusion, challenges, vulnerabilities and isolation from their family and friends. It is precisely during this period that, unfortunately, a few may resort to suicide as a permanent answer to their perceived problems.

That is why you may have observed the awareness being created to educate parents and children alike on the importance of mental health. The hope is that if symptoms of extreme depression are spotted earlier, then suicidal tendencies and ultimately deaths related to youth suicide can be avoided.

The Symptoms of Extreme Depression / Suicidal Thoughts are:

  • Self-doubt, confusion and a constant feeling of being misunderstood.
  • Intense pressure to succeed socially and personally.
  • Intense pressure to conform to fit in and to be accepted.

The danger of committing teen suicide comes when one or more of these interfere in our ability to carry out our daily activities.

The following circumstances can cause these symptoms to arise:

  • Pressure to excel in school
  • Parental divorce
  • Moving to a new city or state
  • Bullying
  • Peer pressure
  • Emotional neglect
  • Substance abuse
  • Stress
  • Mental disorder
  • Mental or physical abuse
  • Abusive parents
  • Bad living conditions

Stronger Parent Teenager Relationships are at the root of Preventing Youth Suicide

Teenagers and their parents can sometimes feel like they are from different worlds. With so many expectations from both sides, sometimes getting along can seem virtually impossible As a result, misunderstanding between parents and teenagers can become a daily issue, which turns into a cycle of arguments that causes increasing division between them

In order to stop this division from happening and to foster loving relationships between teenagers and their parents, both parties should look at things from the other’s perspective.

How Parents should behave with their Teenage Children

  • Try not to have any preconceived notions about your child; be open minded.
  • Be their friend, not their parent.
  • Make sure your words do not hurt them; think before you speak.
  • Speak to them in a civilized and respectable manner.
  • Don’t keep nagging them.
  • Listen to what they have to say and understand their point of view.
  • Pay full attention to them when they are around you; take interest in their lives.
  • Don’t blame or criticize them when they make a mistake. After things have calmed down, explain to them what they could have done differently.
  • Behave the way you would like your child to behave.
  • Focus on their good intentions rather than their external behavior.
  • Stay calm and neutral.
  • Be sensitive to the emotional state of your child.
  • Remember that your children depend on you.
  • Trust your children; don’t allow doubt or suspicion to enter within.
  • Win your children over with love, such that they light up with joy when
    they see you and they never want to leave you.

How Teenage Children should behave with their parents

  • Remember that parents always want the best for their children.
  • Don’t forget how much your parents have done for you. Be grateful for that.
  • They love you, so love them back. Tell them how much you love them.
  • Communicate openly with them.
  • Listen to what your parents are saying.
  • Learn to compromise in certain places.
  • Don’t lie to your parents.
  • Never steal; if you need money, then ask your parents for it.
  • Don’t harbor any resentment or hatred towards your parents.
  • Don’t see the negatives of your parents; focus on the positives.
  • Reach out to your parents for help; they are always happy to provide support.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUICIDE? WHY NOT TO COMMIT SUICIDE

Everything in life has a cause and an effect. That is why it is necessary to urge anyone contemplating committing suicide to think carefully about the consequences of suicide. This is because committing suicide has very grave consequences.

In fact, when someone takes their own life, their Soul wanders around without a body. Furthermore, by committing suicide in this lifetime, such karma is bound that one will have to commit suicide repeatedly for several more lives.

In reality, when someone commits suicide in this life, it is not the first time that they have performed such an act. They had done so in a past life, and because of that, they continue doing so life after life.

In the present time cycle there is misery and suffering wherever you look Despite all the worldly comforts, there is so much unhappiness. As soon as you solve one problem, there is another one waiting for you. This tsunami of problems causes internal suffering. To add to that the demands and expectations in every facet of life may even cause you to contemplate suicide.

Why not to commit suicide

As human beings, we are bound to encounter troubling times, but it does not warrant taking our own lives. Instead, if we endure the difficulties of our current life, then we will extinguish your karmic account. Otherwise, we will only increase and intensify your karmic suffering for future lives.

Param Pujya Dadashri explains, “A person may die by committing suicide but he will have to come back to pay off his debts and obligations. As a human, one is bound to face difficulties, but does that mean one has to commit suicide? The consequences of committing suicide are extremely serious. The Lord has forbidden suicide because its consequences are very grave. One should not even think of committing suicide. Resolve to pay off whatever outstanding debts you may have but do not even think of suicide.”

You should do everything in your power not to ruin your inner intent or let any negative thoughts of suicide arise. Divert your focus from such things, as these negative thoughts can only bring unwanted results Instead, focus on looking for solutions to your problems and remaining positive.

Is there a way to stop or control negative thoughts?

Due to the ignorance of our real Self, we take on the problems of the mind. We become engrossed with the mind and feel, ‘It is happening to me, am feeling happy. I like that individual or ‘I don’t like that person. We take the thought the mind shows us and become affected by it. Remember, the mind will think day and night. It is doing its job. You should not be affected!

With the correct understanding of ‘Who am I?’ you can easily remain unaffected when good or bad thoughts cross your mind. It is the nature of the mind to show you all types of thoughts, just as the purpose of the ears is to hear.

When it shows you different thoughts, good and bad, you should not become engrossed in them. Instead, just watch the thoughts go by like a movie, as an observer. The only time you will be affected is when you believe yourself to be the owner of the mind. If you remain in your true Self, as the Knower and the Seer, then nothing can trouble you.

Suicide will not end your problems

  • Deep down, you know that you cannot run away from your responsibilities and that people are counting on you. You must regain your composure and deal with each of your problems calmly. Ultimately, when the time is right, they will be solved!
  • Every situation or person you encounter is an effect of the karma of your past life. Therefore, you have little choice but to endure the suffering in this life and bring an end to the pain. It is better to pay off your karmic debt now. Otherwise, all of these problems will return in a future life
    but with a greater intensity.

Since suicide is not something you should pursue, here is what to do when you feel suicidal:

  • Don’t conform to societal or peer pressure – Instead, use your energies in what you are good at and be around people who inspire you. This will increase your confidence and help you remain optimistic.
  • Stay away from drugs and alcohol – These can increase the intensity of your suicidal thoughts.
  • Avoid isolation and loneliness – Withdrawing from those that love you will only make matters worse. Make sure you talk to someone at least once a day.
  • Do not keep suicidal thoughts to yourself Find someone you can trust and let them know how bad things are and what you are going through. Do not allow shame to keep you from sharing how you feel.
  • Rest assured that mental health conditions and extreme depression are treatable, so seek professional help.
  • Stay positive even when negative circumstances arise. Focus on finding a solution.
  • Keep your mind engaged in something at all times. The busier you are the less chances you will have to fall into negativity.
  • Change your routine – Go for a walk in the park. Get some fresh air. This will help you clear your mind.
  • Exercise – This will make you feel better mentally and physically.
  • Maintain a healthy diet. Being sick will only add to your suffering.
  • Remember that you are not alone. There are many others in the same  situation and you will get through this.

From now on, make sure that you never engage in thoughts of ending your life.

The impact of positive and negative thinking

The person who remains positive in all circumstances will win in life. Such a person will have good health, will lift the spirits of those around them, and will always be happy. Even when times are tough or challenging, they will focus on the positive things that arise from the situation. For example, if they lose their job, then they will do everything they can find another one and remain optimistic. Because of their positive attitude, they will be open-minded and they will be able to think clearly in any situation. In the end, positivity will conquer negativity and they will find a job!

In contrast, constantly meditating on bad thoughts will have a negative impact on you By seeing negative in others and in situations, you will inevitably struggle in life. Thinking negatively only causes suffering, So much so that you will not be able to enjoy the times when good things happen to you. Remember We always have the choice of being Positive or negative.

WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU HURT SOMEONE SO BADLY THAT THE PERSON FEELS LIKE COMMITTING SUICIDE?

If you think that you may be the cause of someone binding a suicidal intent, you must first understand the ill effects your conduct has on him or her: That person cook be experiencing various emotions from self doubt. loneliness, nervousness, worry, fear and even depression.

You should ask yourself, ‘Would like it if this happened to me? How would I feel if were in the same position as them?’ Put yourself in their shoes So, what can you do to improve your behavior towards them? If you are reading this, then you have already recognized that you hurt someone and that you need to alter your behavior towards him or her.

What to do next:

  • Apologize to them for your bad behavior and promise to never repeat it.
  • Communicate with them and clear the tension which has developed between you.
  • Be genuine and honest with them from now on.
  • Understand that things will not change right away. It will take time, so be patient.
  • Analyze the effects that your bad behavior has had on yourself and on them.
  • Find the reasons that led you to behave in such a way and avoid them.
  • Try the scientific approach of pratikraman when you hurt someone.

There is an inner, scientific solution to the situation in which you have become the cause of someone wanting to commit suicide. Ask for forgiveness.

Asking for forgiveness using the scientific method of pratikraman will ensure that over time, your karmic accounts with that person will be settled. Furthermore, you can ask for forgiveness for any type of suffering that you have caused them, without saying a single word to them.

The other person does not have to be present. This pratikraman will reach them wherever they are. It doesn’t matter if you are in New York and they are in New Zealand. You can easily remove the pain you have caused them.

In this process, you are reversing your aggression through your thoughts, speech and actions, by changing your inner intent towards them. This is a very powerful tool for clearing up the mistakes you have made towards any living being. Whenever you experience anger, dislike, deceit, greed or abhorrence towards anyone, just
perform pratikraman and you will instantly feel lighter and less consumed with the guilt of your bad conduct.

For the process to be effective, you should keep on asking for forgiveness for 30 to 60 minutes a day You will begin to see changes in yourself towards the other person. You will have less hatred and abhorrence towards them. They will also experience changes.

The process for performing the three-step pratikraman is:

Recall whichever God you believe in as your witness.

  • Aalochana- Heartfelt confession of one’s guilt or misdeed.
  • Pratikraman-Apology coupled with remorse for any wrongdoing
  • Pratyakhyan-A firm decision never to repeat the misdeed

The process only takes a couple of seconds.

HOW TO DEAL WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

At some point, we all must have experienced nagging negative thoughts of suicide, which make us wonder how to deal with suicidal thoughts. These thoughts arise in extremes, when our problems appear insurmountable or when we receive very bad news. They completely destroy your peace of mind.

No one desires such suicidal thoughts, but how can we avoid them?
There are many things which can aid and support you during this difficult period:

1. Understanding the mind

In Impossible to stop the mind from thinking it is the function of the mind to inform you of good and bad things These thoughts were created by you in your past life. They will sprout according to the circumstances that arise Some of these thoughts may be intense and harmful like the thought of ending your life. The intensity of each thought depends on your past life.

For instance, if there is someone in your life that you do not like, then every time you think about them or see them, you will automatically feel aversion towards them. However, your intent may be that this is not right Therefore, you have changed your opinion towards them because you do not agree with the mind. Since your inner intent has changed, the karmic consequences that you will have to endure in your next life will be that much less severe.

2. Adopt a scientific, spiritual approach

  • Understand that your thoughts are from your previous life and have nothing to do with your current state.
  • You can oppose your thoughts by saying ‘I do not agree with you, I don’t want to die’.
  • Recite for ten minutes daily I-AM-FULL-OF-INFINITE-BLISS.
  • Replace your nagging negative thoughts with positive ones.
  • Do not become engrossed in your thoughts. See them as separate.

Try the following quick fixes:

  • Do something different for fifteen minutes a day like going for a walk reading or anything else that brings you joy.
  • Alter your daily routine.
  • Remember that it will not be like this forever.
  • Tell someone you trust how you are feeling. There is tremendous power in expressing your feelings. Your family and friends will be happy to support you.
  • Monitor how your thoughts influence your well-being. You will immediately realize that the negative thoughts have an impact on you!

A Gnani (Enlightened One) advises us to know and see the mind, but to never unite with it. Just like when you are watching a movie you perceive the happy and sad scenes, but when the movie is over, you let go of them. Similarly, the thoughts which enter your mind are like the film. The reason why you have not experienced the separation is that you have not yet discovered the answer to the question ‘Who am I?

Many people have realized their true Self through the process of Self Realization (Gnan Vidhi). They experience bliss even during tough times by remaining in the state of the Self and separate from the suffering.

LEARN HOW TO HEAL A BROKEN HEART AND PREVENT SUICIDE AFTER BREAKUP

Having your heart broken is extremely painful. It feels like your world has been turned upside-down and you find yourself going through a range of emotions, from shock to depression. You wonder whether you will ever overcome the sadness. Eventually you may reach the point of having suicidal thoughts.

While it is perfectly normal to experience some negative thoughts during such a difficult period, thoughts about suicide after breakup should removed immediately.

Understand that:

  • Time is the ultimate healer and you will eventually move on.
  • The relationship is over. It is best to accept this fact.
  • It is not your fault of your ex-partner’s. Instead, view this as a consequence of your karma. No one is at fault.

Here’s how to heal a broken heart and deal with the feeling of extreme depression in order to overcome suicidal thinking.

  • Keep busy and active – do not keep the mind idle, occupy the mind with
  • activities that will challenge it.
  • Live in the moment and do not look for what will happen in the future as it is unknown and in the hands of nature. The past has already happened.
  • Appreciate your family members and close friends you have in your life Currently,draw strength from them.
  • Talk to others. Explain how you are feeling-the power of conversing is a very powerful tool.

These are a few things you can incorporate into your life and which will help you. You will begin to see and feel subtle changes taking place internally.

Importance of a Human life

A human life is a gift, so treasure it. do not squander it over worldly suffering. Be strong, you have acquired a human life after wandering through infinite another life form. It is only through a human form that one can be released from the countless cycles of life and death along with all the misery and suffering the world has to offer.

The goal of human life should be acquire their pure Soul (shuddha Atma) thereby achieving liberation (moksha). Moksha is to experience freedom from all mental, physical and external problems by remaining in your real form of the Soul (Atma) experiencing internal bliss amidst all the suffering of the world

Karmas are the reason why we have acquired a body, it is in all other forms of life when you dissipate the karma but it is only in the human form that you bind karma as well as dispels them. Thereby become free from charging any types of karma good or bad and crucially become liberated.

Liberation can only be achieved through fully an enlightened being (Gnani), as He has already attained the pure Soul and is gifted to do the same for others. An enlightened being is a highly elevated Soul, their sole purpose in life is to free everyone from the suffering of the world, and that they experience the same bliss of the pure Self. So, do not give up on life and contemplate suicide after breakup, it is better to accept what has happened to you and look for solutions to overcome the feeling of grief and figure out how to get over heartbreak.

Look for love which is unconditional, whole and the type which do not cause you any heartache.

‘That which increases one moment and decreases next is not love : That which resides in the heart and remains the same is real love’

This sort of love can only be found in a Gnani, never increases or Decreases – it is always constant regardless if you kind or rude towards them, Only a Gnani has this kind of love for each and every being in this whole world – this love is of the Absolute Self.

In contrast, the type of love which exists for human beings soul of infatuations and attractions therefore it rises and falls depending on the people they have in their life and unfolding of circumstances You will realize this right away when someone you love says something hurtful to you.

For example, you have not seen your loved one for a very long time and they have come home, upon their arrival, you will be around them all of the time, you will eat together and be around each other However if one of the partners yells at the other. The one who has just been shouted a will think to herself what kind of person is he, consequently it will be the end of their love for each other.

Therefore, look for a Gnani to release you from your present predicament He will bestow the ultimate gift of the Self (atma) you, thereby, freeing you from your suffering.

FROM FAILURE TO SUCCESS -LEARN HOW TO OVERCOME FAILURE AND PREVENT SUICIDE

Unequivocally, everyone in life will go through periods of success and failure. No one can constantly maintain success. Failure does not last forever either. During downturns, we tend to take a negative approach towards life and experience unwanted emotions, such as feeling unloved feeling useless, and letting others down. If matters get worse, one questions the purpose of life and in extreme situations, contemplates suicide.

The good news is that there are solutions and effective approaches to escape the need to descend into a downward, depressive spiral.

How to overcome failure:

  • From one perspective, recognize that having setbacks or failure is a good thing-without trying, you will never succeed. If you do not have failure in life, then you will not appreciate being successful Too much of one thing (positive or negative) inevitably leads to complacency and apathy and will not grow as an individual.
  • Assert a positive mentality even under extremely difficult times.
  • Learn from your mistakes and move forward.
  • Do not dwell on what went wrong and feel sorry for yourself. Instead, take a positive step and look for solutions.
  • Remember that no situation will last forever –  after the night (hard times), the day (good times) always follows.
  • Remember the past. You have encountered similar or even worse situations and you overcome those.
  • You become what you bow if you keep thinking I can, and I will then after a while, things will subtly change and take an upward turn. Similarly If you keep saying, ‘I am a failure or a waste of time, then that will reflect in your thoughts and conduct and influence those around you It is like when you shout into a well, 1am ineffective’ the well will shout back several times I am ineffective, I am ineffective Similarly, you can say “I can do it, I have the ability/skills within me Just repeat this several times in opposition to negative thoughts.
  • Remain sincere to your goal and work towards it wholeheartedly.

Understanding Success and Failure

View success and failure as a positive aspect of life, as they equally contribute to healthy development and growth.

Remember, both situations will come and go in life:

  • Success teaches us that hard work and an optimistic attitude produces positive, rewarding results.
  • Failure teaches us that unpleasant circumstances have the power to transform all our weaknesses and negativity into strength and positivity.

Therefore, both influence our lives in a constructive way.

Under no circumstances should you give in to taking your own life. Instead, turn the situation around and fight off any thoughts associated with suicide. Win over this challenging period in your life and go from failure to success with optimism and enthusiasm.

WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN DO YOU EVER THINK, I WANT TO END MY SUFFERING, I WANT TO END MY LIFE?

Throughout our lives, we undergo cycles of good and bad times and in the end some of us reach the conclusion that life is suffering. When good things happen, we are happy, joyful, and content. In contrast, when bad things happen we feel sad, depressed, and miserable: eventually reaching a point when we think ‘I want to end my suffering. I want to end my life’.

Although we all would like the “bad” phases to pass quickly, we do not fully appreciate the good circumstances when they do come around Therefore, if you are experiencing troublesome times, it is critical to remember that this is a phase and the law that governs our lives says that this period will pass and be followed by good times.

Is taking your life the answer?

By taking your life, will the bad times go away? Certainly not, because you will have to suffer grave consequences in your next life. Therefore, it is best if you endure the pain in your present life and overcome this difficult period. And think how strong you will be when you persevere and get through it.

“What should I do when bad things happen?”

  • Ask for help, do not suffer in silence reach out
  • Look after your well-being – physical and mental.
  • Maintain a healthy diet. What we eat can have an effect on our thoughts.
  • There is tremendous strength in remaining optimistic.
  • Surround yourself with positive people.
  • Focus on what you can do to change your present situation – a step at a time.
  • Know that you have a choice to be happy or sad, no matter how bad the circumstances are.
  • Draw strength from your faith.
  • Do things which make you happy.
  • Make a change of scenery – Go walking, visit relatives or friends.
  • Know that nothing ever remains the same
  • Look at people who are worse off than you are. This will give you the strength to cope with your pain.
  • Help out the needy. You will get a lot of peace by doing this.
  • Make a difference – at home, work or in the community

The Effects of Positive and Negative Energies

In this world, only the ‘positive’ will give you happiness; the ‘negative will give you nothing but grief. We cannot do anything except remain positive and endure the pain. The bad times will pass over time. Circumstances are always changing and nothing ever remains the same in our lives.

Therefore, we must be patient and pray for the strength to cope with our present circumstances. But never give in or surrender to them, as this bad period will most certainly pass.

I LOST MY JOB. I AM IN DEBT. I WANT TO DIE. GET DEBT ADVICE AND PREVENT SUICIDE OVER DEBT

It can be deeply troubling when you find yourself without a job, deep in debt and see no end to resolving your prese predicament It is during these tough times that worries, tension and the fear of uncertainty consume you. You convince yourself that there is little hope of surviving this difficult spell. In this state of utter helplessness, you may feel that there is no solution and the only way out is to end your life by committing suicide over debt. That is not true!

Think about it, will taking your life resolve your present predicament? The short answer is an emphatic NO! It will only exacerbate matters further Moreover, what about all those that are dependent on you? You believe you will become free, but that is just the start of the unending problems for your loved ones. Not only that; how hurt and sad will they be by your departure?

Therefore, it is better to deal with the difficulties you have Do not attempt to handle everything at once. If you try to handle all your problems simultaneously, you will become overwhelmed and things are likely to get out of control. Instead, priorities and solve one problem at a time.

It is also important to recognize that worrying will only make matters worse. Worries have never solved anything. In fact, they create more obstacles.

  • Make every effort to search for a new job. Be flexible when searching for Job opportunities and keep an open mind. You may not get your ideal right away, so until you get back on your feet again, do not be too fussy about what kind of job you will do.
  • Tell people that you are looking for a job. The more you get the word out there, the more likely you are to find a job. Do not feel embarrassed and suffer in silence. You will find people are always happy to help.
  • Ask for help from your family and friends – financially and emotionally!
  • Prepare and practice for job interviews.
  • In the meantime, keep yourself busy and your mind active, otherwise you will find yourself consumed with worries.
  • This will take your mind off your problems and give you some inner peace.
  • Remain positive. When you remain positive, you will certainly get positive results.
  • Remember that things will change, so be patient!

How to Deal with your Bills and Debts

  • Prioritize your payments. Make a list of what needs to be paid first and so on… First pay off what is urgent.
  • Review your expenditures. Seriously analyses what is necessary for survive and what you can do without.  Where can you cut back?
  • Go for cheaper brands.
  • You may need to delve into your savings.
  • Ask your relatives for a loan and promise to pay them back when your situation changes for the better.

Never accept thoughts of weakness such as, ‘All is lost, what can I do? There is no hope. Instead, focus on thoughts like, Things will get better and T can, and I will get through this. Change your mindset and keep opposing the negative thoughts that come in your mind

Above all, keep the faith and understand that attempting to take your life and thinking. I want to die will not solve any problems. It will only make matters worse Periods like these are here to challenge you and make you strong. Keep the firm intention to overcome this period with a strong determination and positive drive.

Also, during this challenging time, do not to put the blame on others, as this will only create obstacles for you Just remain focused and get through this difficult period. Remain optimistic and things will eventually take a turn for the better.

MY LOVED ONE DIED. I AM ALONE AND I DON’T WANT TO LIVE ANYMORE. IS LONELINESS SUICIDE A SOLUTION?

Coping with the loss of a loved one can prove to be one of the toughest challenges that you have to face. When you lose a spouse or anyone that you were very close to your grief can be very intense. Even though you know that the loss is part of the natural cycle of life, you may still be overcome by shock and confusion, leading to prolonged periods of sadness or depression. If the feeling of extreme depression is not controlled or managed, then you can lose control of your emotions and can’t even decide to commit loneliness suicide.

Therefore, it is very important to not be consumed with thoughts of sadness and depression. Search for solutions that can help alleviate your present suffering.

How to Cope after Losing a Loved One with Positive and correct Understanding:

  • The underlying science explains that when you grieve for your loved ones, your unhappiness reaches them wherever they are and they experience your pain. Instead, send positive vibrations such as, ‘May you be liberated by attaining the Self (Atma) and be freed from the cycle of birth and death. This will make a tremendous difference for them.
  • You can ask for the strength to be able to cope with your sadness from the God that you believe in, You will receive substantial strength and experience some degree of peace through this process.
  • Search for positive things to live for like helping others or charity work.
  • Occupy your mind. Do not allow your mind to remain idle.
  • Be in the company of positive and supportive people.
  • Be sure to take care of yourself exercise, eat and sleep well. This may seem obvious, but you will be surprised how you forget the simple things. They can profoundly affect your mental and physical well-being.

Above all, giving into suicidal thoughts like, ‘I am alone and I don’t want to live will not heal your pain, but only prolong it. You will have to endure the suffering in your futures lives, but with a greater degree of severity Instead, draw strength from your faith and overcome it.

Akram Vignan: Spiritual Insights into Who You Really Are and the Key to the Permanent End of Suffering.

Through the knowledge of the Self (Atma Gnan), you will understand that the Soul never dies, it only changes its body. In fact, the Soul is always in eternal inner bliss. Therefore, suffering is a relative concept and your true self does not suffer from it. The suffering affects your current body in this particular lifetime Once you really understand this, all the perceived suffering you experience is contextualized as karmic discharge and you are not affected by it. Instead you are in a constant state of inner bliss.

In summary, since time immemorial, humanity has been searching for answers surrounding death Fortunately, spiritual science provides these answers. The science does not stop there – by virtue of the understanding you will be equipped with the tools that will greatly assist you and your loved ones during times of suffering Through understanding, you will be able to cope with losing a loved one and be able to move on.

ARE YOU LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN AND CONSIDERING CHRONIC PAIN SUICIDE?

The strain of a long-term illness can have a tremendous emotional and psychological effect on you You feel mentally and physically drained As you struggle to cope with your day to day life, the illness shows no sign of subsiding and living with chronic pain seems unbearable Even after medication, if your health does not improve, then you begin to contemplate escaping from the illness through chronic pain suicide.

The Good News Is That There is a Way You Can remain Separate from the Physical Pain: Spiritual Enlightenment.

The scientific process of Self Realization (Gnan Vidhi) will free you from the torments of bodily pain thus bringing an end to suicidal ideation. Akram Vignan is a new and modern-day movement which gives us with the correct understanding of ‘Who is the sufferer?, ‘Who am I? and ‘What is my role in all of this?

The knowledge of the Self (Gnan) provides us with the understanding of why we feel the effects of our worldly life. Until we discover our real identity, we will continue to suffer life after life. We wrongly believe that everyone and every circumstance belongs to us. Consequently, we continue to feel the effects of our wrong conviction whether they are good or bad.

When you attain Self Realization through this process of Gnan Vidhi, the body and the Pure Soul (Atma) are separated. You come into your true form as the Soul. From then on, you subtly begin to understand who is experiencing the pain, the reason for the pain, and how to remain separate from the body during suffering.

‘The Soul exists where the slightest of pain cannot be felt.-Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan

The Pure Soul never feels or experiences any form of pain. The Soul only knows and perceives what the body is going through, what it is doing to overcome the pain, and what it is thinking. You will know when the pain has intensified or when it has subsided.

Following the attainment of the knowledge of the Self, the more you apply this science, the greater the experience of the Soul you will have and the more you will be able to remain detached from the body. Any suicidal ideation you might have about ending your bodily suffering will end Internally, you will continue to have the awareness that this is not my pain. it belongs to the body. Therefore, you will be able to live a life of bliss.

Emotions that are related to a lack of appreciation ‘I feel unappreciated being misunderstood ‘no one understands me’, or not having support ‘no one cares about me can lead to self-doubt, frustration, loneliness and depression. When we feel so sad that we are unable to see beyond these negative feelings, we contemplate taking revenge. Inevitably, this may lead to thoughts like, ‘ want to end my life as a last resort to gain some sort of recognition from those that under-appreciate us.

In fact, these thoughts will only harm you, not anyone else. Not to mention taking your own life has very grave consequences.

Instead, you should look at the underlying causes of your unhappiness

  • You may have grown to doubt what others say to you, especially if it is something nice.
  • You are very busy and distracted with life so you fail to accept positive appreciation that is shown to you.
  • Deep down you might feel unworthy of love from others
  • Things may seem pretty bad for you; therefore, it does not matter how many times someone says ‘Well done’, ‘Brilliant job.’ In your mind, you perceive their words negatively.
  • Self-doubt, insecurity, a lack of confidence or competitiveness are reasons that make you feel underappreciated.

So, what can you do to change that?

  • Everything you do should be done without expecting anything in return. Expectation only results in pain and suffering.
  • Tasks should be performed to the best of your ability.
  • If you need help, then ask for it. Sometimes we assume people know we need support, but this is not always the case Sometimes what seems obvious to us may not be obvious to others.
  • Without being conceited, let others know what you have done and ask them what they think of it. Everyone is preoccupied with themselves, They are all lost in their own troubles By communicating with them openly, you are sure to get a response.
  • What may be the right thing for us may not be the right thing for others? Therefore, always check what is required for any task.
  • Don’t be shy Draw on the expertise of others.
  • Communication is at the heart of all relationships, whether school, work or family.
  • Try to investigate what is causing you to be so unhappy such as competitiveness, jealousy, expectations, the need for recognition, or a lack of confidence.
  • If you want to be appreciated, then appreciate what others do.
  • See the best in others – refrain from seeing their faults. Do not play the blame game.
  • Remain positive.
  • Listen to and keep the company of others.
  • Why do not you take the first step and make changes in your relationship with them?
  • Change yourself. You will see that others will follow.
  • Give others happiness and you too will receive the same.
  • Change your mindset – adapt your mind to suit others.
  • Enjoy what you do. You will notice that whenever you do something you like; you will perform better at it. Likewise, when you do something you do not like, you will not get as good results.

Above all, remember that there is absolutely no need to continue feeling the way you do. Investigate and search for the causes which are contributing to the way you are feeling. If you are truly committed to finding a solution to your present dilemma, then things will most certainly resolve themselves. All you need to achieve this is to be prepared to compromise, speak your mind without hurting others, and be prepared to manage the expectations of others and your own. Last but not least, do not shy away from reaching out and asking for help and support when you need it.

Instead of suffering in silence and wallowing in self-pity, it is far better to express the way you are feeling. By being open-minded and communicating, you will find you are less bothered, less stressed and far happier.

I MADE A MISTAKE. I DON’T WANT TO LIVE ANYMORE. I WANT TO KILL MYSELF

We all hate making mistakes, but we make them sometimes. While some of these mistakes are minor, some may be life-changing ones. For those mistakes in particular, the sense of dread, knowing you have committed a huge mistake, can be deeply upsetting and you may feel very ashamed, guilty and annoyed with yourself, to the point that you feel. ‘I don’t want to live anymore! I want to kill myself!

If this is how you are feeling the best advice for you is to focus on how you can stop having such thoughts No matter how big the mistake is it doesn’t warrant you taking your own life Try to gain a sense of perspective and see the big picture Rather than being immersed in these emotions the best thing you can do after you have committed a mistake is to do something about it.

  • Accept that you have made a mistake and see if you can rectify it If you are unable to acknowledge it and try as much as possible to reconcile any discord or harmony.
  • Learn from your mistakes. Instead of being stuck on what you did wrong learn from it. If you cannot, then at least share your experience with someone else, so he/she can avoid making the same mistake.
  • Stop looking back and thinking ‘I made a mistake, remain in the present Looking back will make you miserable Thinking about what may happen in the future will make you apprehensive, but remaining in the present and looking for solutions will give you hope. Try not to dwell in what and if Instead, look towards mending and repairing.
  • If possible, let the person whom you have hurt know how bad you feel and explain to them that it was truly not your intent.
  • By owning up to your mistake, you will find people will be more likely to forgive you They might not be willing to forgive you right away It will take time for them to digest what you have said or done to them and come to terms with it So be patient and manage your expectations accordingly.
  • Have the understanding that mistakes can happen, but the answer lies in what you do about it.
  • Do not complicate matters, keep things simple.
  • Remain calm and think clearly.

The Spiritual Tool of Pratikraman

After identifying that you have committed a mistake, use the spiritual tool of repeatedly asking for forgiveness, called pratikraman. This is a three step process of reversal from the hurt that you have caused either through your mind, speech, or actions towards a living being.

This method is simple, yet very effective:

  • Alochana: Confess the mistake to the Lord within the person you have hurtle. I have an aversion towards you.
  • Pratikraman: Heartily ask for forgiveness for that mistake
  • Pratyakhyan: Make a firm resolve and ask for strength never to repeat the mistake again i.e. ‘I make a firm resolve never to repeat my mistake over again.

It is not easy to say ‘I am sorry, but asking for forgiveness from the people you have hurt will provide them and you with a sense of peace. Over time after repeatedly asking for forgiveness, you will experience lightness and freedom from the guilt, worry and tension that had taken over you. This method of asking for forgiveness is a deep scientific process and produces results! Performing this three-part process of pratikraman is important and you can do it internally without saying a word to the person you have hurt you just have to remember the Lord within them and ask for forgiveness.

I AM ALWAYS BEING JUDGED. I DO NOT FIT IN ANYWHERE. WHERE DO I BELONG?

To feel like you are being judged is confusing, frustrating and painful. It makes you feel insecure and inferior. Inevitably, we have all experienced this at some stage in our lives, but for some people, the impact of feeling judged can be extremely depressing.

What can we do?

Take it for granted that everyone you encounter in this world will have opinions. It will make your life easier. The bright side is that you do not have to like or even agree to the opinions of others, but you have to respect them. Even if you look in your own home, you will notice that everyone will have a different point of view. For example, when it comes to deciding what to eat for dinner. Every member of the family will choose different items and it will be impossible to please everyone, so compromises must be made.

Similarly in life, you will never be able to make everyone happy. Whatever decisions you make or whatever you do, you will be judged and people will form opinions. Just remain strong and instead of trying to make everyone happy, actively make an effort not to hurt them.

Everyone has his or her own point of view. What we deem to be correct may not be so for somebody else. For example, we may think it is bad to eat late at night but someone else may have no other option than to eat late at night because they work long hours. There is no right or wrong, just different points of view. And that is why people perceive the exact same situations differently.

Who makes judgements and opinions?

It is the job of the intellect to keep distinguishing between good and bad The good intellect will show us good things and the bad intellect will show us bad things With the bad intellect, we will experience tremendous suffering, whereas with the good intellect, we will experience peace. From the point of view of a thief, stealing is not a bad thing. Therefore, when the thief is being judged, he will feel hurt, as he has a different set of values.

In addition, for you to overcome the opinions or judgements of others, you need to maintain a positive intellect and keep making adjustments with them. If, however, you strongly believe in something which is not in line with what others think, just continue doing what you think is right, but try not to hurt anyone because of it.

I do not fit in anywhere. Where do I belong?

To establish our place in this world, we need to determine our goal Life without a goal will be unclear and confusing. We will have no direction and we will move about aimlessly

Having acquired a human life, we should strive to achieve two things:

  • Live our life in such a manner that we hurt no living being, through our mind, speech and body.
  • Strive to break free from the cycle of birth and death. The essence of human life is to attain eternal liberation (moksha) from the bondage of karma It to become fully enlightened by attaining Self- Realization (Gnan) through the knowledge of the Self (Atma Gnan).

“There are two ways by which one will realize the goal of life if we have not met a Gnani Purush (an enlightened One), then we should live life in such a way that we hurt no one Our highest goal should be to not hurt any living being in the slightest. The other way is if you encounter the Gnani Purush, then you should remain in the Gnani’s spiritual company (satsang) In doing so, all your work will be accomplished All the ‘puzzles’ will be solved.” – Dada Bhagwan

Achieving this goal will enable us to experience the constant bliss of the Sell, no matter how bad the circumstances are. There is no doubt that everyone belongs in this world The challenge is the choices they make during their lifetime.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS SUICIDAL?GET SUICIDAL HELP HERE

When you have someone in our life that you are very close to and who is experiencing symptoms of depression or leaning towards tendencies of suicide, you feel helpless. You wonder what to say to someone who is suicidal You go through varying degrees helplessness frustration, anger, fear, guilt, sadness, worries and stress. To make matters worse, you may feel that you are the cause of their current emotional imbalance. You start to panic and look for what to do if someone is suicidal and how you can give them suicidal help.

For you to meaningfully help your loved one, you need to demonstrate clarity of thought and not show any signs of emotional anxiety. The following are some rational and very helpful steps:

  • Start off by understanding the precise nature of the symptoms of depression and suicide, so you can get an idea of the depth of the problem.
  • Do not judge them, but be very compassionate. They are not in control of their emotions.
  • Understand that they cannot help what they are feeling and going through, and it is not personal.
  • Encourage them to get professional help Persuade them to open up and talk.
  • Do not show them your worries or concerns, as it will only make it worse for them.
  • Keep your emotions under control: do not overreact.
  • Win them over with love, kindness and understanding.
  • Do not misuse their trust.
  • A change of environment may help. Introduce a change of scenery. Take them to a park, spend time outdoors, go shopping, go for a picnic, etc…
  • Arrange a family gathering where everyone spends time together so that they are reminded that they do have people that love and care for them.
  • Exercise, do yoga and pranayama, or go for a walk with them.
  • Try to learn new things together or join a club where you can participate in different activities together.

For a deeper solution, try these:

  • Pray for them to find the strength to overcome their present difficulties.
  • Replace your worries, guilt, fear and any other emotions with prayer.
  • Encourage them to pray as well.
  • For ten minutes get them to recite the following sentence: l-a-m-f-u-I-0-f-i-n-f-i-n-i-t-e-b-l-i-s-s or 1-a-m-f-u-1-1-o-f-i-n-f-i-n-i-t-e-e-n-e-r-g-y. If possible, try to get them to visualize each letter in their mind while reciting it. They will experience a lot of peace.
  • If possible, get them to visualize a picture of a God that they believe in as this will soothe their mind.
  • If you feel responsible for their dilemma, then ask for forgiveness from them. You can do this internally. By doing this, you will begin to overcome your guilt. They will feel the effects as well.

During this period, be conscious that this process will take time and you will need to be patient. Progress will be slow, but ultimately you will get there! If you feel that you are losing control, then immediately seek professional suicidal help and DO NOT procrastinate. In short, do all you can for them personally, professionally or any other way. Have a positive mind and be strong for them and yourself.

HOW TO STOP SUICIDAL THOUGHTS THROUGH SPIRITUAL SCIENCE?

How Spiritual Science can play a role in Youth Suicide Prevention?

Spiritual Science provides in-depth knowledge of the causes of suicide and the solutions for the one who is contemplating taking their life It also provides solutions to their family and friends.

Many individuals that have experienced extreme depression and suicidal thoughts have benefited from the spiritual understanding gained through Akram Vignan. These individuals have met or listened to Pujya Deepakbhai, the present enlightened being, who has shown the detrimental effects of suicide and its consequences on future lives. He has helped these individuals overcome such thoughts and shown them how to live a blissful life.

Through the path of Akram Vignan, a spiritual science, you will be completely released from the symptoms of severe depression, thoughts of suicide, and more importantly, from the burden of worldly life forever. You will become liberated by the attainment of the knowledge of the Self (Atma Gnan). This is a process called Self Realization.

The Soul is free from all worldly association It is an independent entity which is inherently in a state full of infinite bliss. The happiness you derive from your pure Soul (Shuddha Atma) will be nothing like what you have experienced before. It is impossible for anyone to comprehend this feeling by word. You need to experience it. This happiness is not dependent on people or circumstances and will be experienced continuously and permanently. It will never be followed by sorrow or unhappiness.

As your understanding of the Soul develops, you will become stronger You will have an understanding of ‘Who is suffering from depression? Why is he/she leaning towards suicidal tendencies?, ‘How to stop suicidal thoughts’ and ‘What is the depth of his/her pain? But you, as the pure Soul, will remain detached and unaffected by what happens to the body and the ego. You will see and know what the body and ego are doing seeing, thinking and experiencing.

This science focuses on the right understanding, which over time results in right conduct. This Science is precise, very easy to understand, and immensely relevant to the current times.

“Peace is the nature of the mind and bliss is the nature of the Soul”Dada Bhagwan

Worldly happiness is dependent on many factors, like relationships, mental stability, physical well-being and external influences. It is these factors that cause you suffering.

For example, when you love someone so much, you have expectations for them, like they should love you just as much But when these expectations are not met, won’t you be hurt? Will you not suffer because of it? Therefore, worldly life is full of ups and downs. You can never be certain when things will turn bad.

Akram Vignan explains that the primary reason why people think about ending their lives is that they had committed suicide in one of their previous lives. The karmic effects of that perpetuate for seven more lifetimes. However, the intensity of the suicidal thoughts diminishes in each subsequent life, the way that the height a ball bounces back decreases in each subsequent bounce when dropped from a height. And as a ball eventually comes to rest, the suicidal thoughts also come to an end.

Akram Vignan, a spiritual science, explains what happens when natural thoughts stop flowing. When they are replaced with negative and pessimistic thoughts and you are thrown into internal darkness. You will not be able to think clearly and there will appear to be no solution to your problems. It’s like when you first enter a tunnel. There is some light, but the deeper you go in the darker it becomes.

With the application of this science, coping with suicidal thoughts becomes easier. You may think that this sounds too good to be true, but it works! Many people have experienced liberation from their worldly bondage, some in the most severe of circumstances. You can too!

But, why do people commit suicide?

Akram Vignan will free you from all the worldly pain which you suffer internally – anger, pride, greed, deceit, attachment and abhorrence. Also, it will liberate you from people with whom you have bound a relationship which is difficult and complicated. In fact, this science will release you forever.

The thoughts that arise because of ‘depression’ or elevation’ are all ‘incorrect. The thoughts that arise in a state of ‘normality’ are ‘correct’.