Hot news from Bhutan about youth

When we are smiling to each other in the class our professor tells that “Yea, I know Bhutan is a happy country”. Back at Bhutan many sad things are happening. It was not less than a month after I was placed at one of the newly established university in India that I heard many unpleasant things from Bhutan. So I decided to write this article thinking that it might do some good both to the parents and youth.

I tried my best not to ponder upon darker side of the news yet my conscious mind didn’t allow me. More often I realize how short our life is and yet there are many in Bhutan who takes their own life.  I was very sad when I left Bhutan; leaving my wife and children back. I can clearly visualize how my elder daughter was running here and there, amazed by the scene of plane take off but knowing not that her father is leaving.  I became sadder after hearing that numbers of youth are taking their own life. If this happens in this trend Bhutan at 2020 will be a different Bhutan.  

Today’s youth can do lots of things. They are bright, smart and energetic. Rather than committing suicide, one can resort to many activities which are politically sound, socially beneficial and morally right.  If they have problems, they should share, inform or write. When someone can decide to take one’s own life, I think one can decide many bigger things in life. Rather than committing suicide, one can try coping with the suicidal thoughts.

So I have following steps compiled to cope with suicidal thoughts, thinking it will help all. 

Coping with suicidal thoughts: the first steps

Step #1: Promise not to do anything right now

Even though you’re in a lot of pain right now, give yourself some distance between thoughts and action. Make a promise to yourself: "I will wait 24 hours and won't do anything drastic during that time." Or, wait a week.

Thoughts and actions are two different things—your suicidal thoughts do not have to become a reality. There’s is no deadline, no one pushing you to act on these thoughts immediately. Wait. Wait and put some distance between your suicidal thoughts and suicidal action.

Step #2: Avoid drugs and alcohol

Suicidal thoughts can become even stronger if you have taken drugs or alcohol. It is important to not use nonprescription drugs or alcohol when you feel hopeless or are thinking about suicide.

Step #3: Make your home safe

Remove things you could use to hurt yourself, such as pills, knives, razors, or firearms. If you are unable to do so, go to a place where you can feel safe. If you are thinking of taking an overdose, give your medicines to someone who can return them to you one day at a time as you need them.

Step #4: Take hope – people DO get through this

Even people who feel as badly as you are feeling now manage to survive these feelings. Take hope in this. There is a very good chance that you are going to live through these feelings, no matter how much self-loathing, hopelessness, or isolation you are currently experiencing. Just give yourself the time needed and don’t try to go it alone.

Step #5: Don’t keep these suicidal feelings to yourself

Many of us have found that the first step to coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings is to share them with someone we trust. It may be a friend, a therapist, a member of the clergy, a teacher, a family doctor, a coach, or an experienced counselor at the end of a helpline. Find someone you trust and let them know how bad things are. Don’t let fear, shame, or embarrassment prevent you from seeking help. Just talking about how you got to this point in your life can release a lot of the pressure that’s building up and help you find a way to cope.

(Source: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/suicide_help.htm)

Bhutan is country where people help each other in times of need. Seek help, you will always be helped. Let Bhutan be free of suicide. I personally feel very sad while someone dies untimely.  Laugh a lot and enjoy your life. Enjoying life doesn’t necessarily mean by drinking and doing drugs. There are many ways. One can Play games, enjoy jokes and know how to joke and be funny. One shouldn’t take things too seriously in life but that doesn’t mean that one can take it for granted. Though many things in life are important, most of them are not urgent. Be flexible, things can be postponed and life becomes comfortable. Time can be stretched.

You are already one and you can become a bigger one. Be happy and live happily.