Let’s pledge to lend a helping hand to those who seek help in battling with depression
According to the WHO, for every 1 person that dies by suicide, at least 20 more attempt the same. Furthermore, those who attempt suicide, are significantly more likely to attempt again.
On 21st November 2020, International Suicide Survivors Loss Day, let’s look at what it means to be a survivor of suicide and what kind of support is available for a suicide survivor.
Survivors can be of 3 types-
- Those who have attempted suicide
- Those whose family members have died by suicide.
- Those who have witnessed a suicide
As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to ensure this extremely vulnerable population gains access to emotional support, whilst being confined to their homes, The Suicide Survivor Support Program at Connecting Trust launched the Telephonic Emotional Support to Suicide Survivors (SSP TESSS).
‘Although there are a large number of suicide survivors, many do not get the required support because of the associated stigma attached with the issue. By partnering with the Pune Police and Sassoon General Hospital, SSP TESS is directly able to reach survivors of suicide, and provide a non-judgmental, non-advisory, empathetic listening space, for them to share their grief’ says Connecting Trust CEO, Liyaan Sataravala.
The out-going service is active every Wednesday and Friday (afternoon 3 -5 pm). Survivors are contacted via telephone for an appointment, with their consent an appointment is set up, and a call back is offered to those in high distress within 24 hours.
SSP-TESSS is an ‘out-going’ service, only. This means, suicide survivors are called by Connecting Trust. Suicide survivors, can SMS at 8484033312 for an appointment. In the SMS, do write – your name, contact number, the person who has attempted or lost a loved one to suicide. All details will be kept confidential (barring certain legal exceptions).
For emergencies, you can call Connecting’s Distress helpline- 9922004305 / 9922001122 (everyday 12 -8 pm).
Remember, you are not alone. Connecting Trust is here to listen and to understand you.
Health advice by Chief Executive Officer, Connecting NGO, Pune, Liyaan Sataravala
