Be a Guardian Angel

Be a Guardian Angel

The buzz word that has sent a panic across the world recently, is “Blue Whale Challenge” – an online game which turns to be a death trap. The Blue Whale game  is believed to be a suicide game wherein a group of administrators gives a participant a task to complete daily — for a period of 50 days — the final of which is the participant committing suicide. There are over 100 deaths reported so far, due to this game. It really sounds horrific to even think of it, but I guess we need to introspect a bit to understand, what this implies to the human race.

I personally feel that this game has been tested upon the teenagers, who are the most emotionally vulnerable. It is difficult to come to terms, with the fact, that a game can be used to manipulate the human mind to the extent of making him, kill himself.

Mankind has tided through the “Survival of the fittest” challenge to become the most strongest and evolved species, in the world. Man is definitely not the strongest by body, but by mind he has been able to gain dominance over every other living thing in this world. When such a rich faculty of the human brain is put to test, with such a game, it truly becomes a question of how psychologically vulnerable we are?

 

We all know human beings are a social animal. This social animal craves for attention, acknowledgement and appreciation. When these things are neglected, the human mind goes into a deep state of depression, which can lead to suicidal instincts. So, where is the weak point? Where are we really losing? I guess, the answer is in shallow relationships. 

 

So, the question to ask ourselves is, are we giving the needed attention to our relationships? Are we taking caring of the emotional needs of our children and family members, as much as we take care of their financial and physical needs? Are we sure they are not feeling deprived. Do they get a chance to open out their fears and desires freely? Do we give them enough opportunity to express themselves or are we just bulldozing our thoughts on them.

 

Sep 10^th is World Suicide Prevention day, and I read an article which talked about 3 alarming facts:

1. India ranks 7th in the Global Suicide Index.
2. Tamilnadu is among the top 3 states in the number of suicides
3. Home makers, Farmers and Students tops the list of suicide prone segment of people

While the cause of farmer suicides could be due to economical reasons, the other 2 segments are probably going through high state of stress, anxiety and depression, which we fail to address positively. It is a clear indication that somewhere, these people are crying for their voices to be heard. 

The number of suicidal deaths in the country is 22/1, 00, 000 people, which is about 0.0002%. Though it is a small percentage, it is still not negligible. The point of concern is, it is steadily increasing year after year, which means we need to exercise caution. While all other forms of deaths such as death due to old age, illness, accidents, nature calamity are beyond our control, I believe suicidal deaths are something which is very much under our control, provided we make a conscious check on the wellbeing of our relationships. We can certainly do our part to make sure people don't die, due to neglect.

 

The most valuable gift we can give anyone is the gift of time. In a fast paced, competitive world where people have become too self oriented and achievement seeking, there is a good chance that we may be neglecting on taking care of our vital relationships. We as human beings have the moral responsibility to care for each other and protect each other. Please make sure, you do.

   D. Senthil Kannan,

   Managing Trustee, PALMS, Tuticorin.

   Author of "Transformational Thoughts" - A Journey of learning 

   Email: senthilkannand@gmail.com