The Death of Anam Tanoli Suggests Pakistan Needs to Talk about Depression and Suicide

Famous model, Anam Tanoli was found dead in her apartment on Saturday. The 26-year-old was found hanging from her ceiling fan in her house in Lahore, Pakistan. The reports indicated that the model had been facing severe depression due to personal and professional reasons which led her to suicide. Recently, the death of American actress Vanessa Marquez, has a background of depression.

The experts of mental health are concerned about the issue and stating that the bright glitz and glamor of life is often overshadowing the underlying darkness. The Insta filters and celebrity life is just a cover of many under which lies the dark hands that are leading the patients of depression towards suicide.

In this case of Anam Tanoli, the experts believe that there is a little understanding of the word “suicide” amongst the people. There are multiple negative connotations of low understanding of the problem. Many consider it as a crime, culturally wrong, stigma and against the religious faith. The real issue is not even close to understanding and that makes the patient much more vulnerable and they are unable to seek help. The same case was applicable to a celebrity personality like Anam Tanoli who could have enough opportunities to seek help even outside her nation. So the stigma lies in the root which is unable to surpass the necessities of mental health.

As per a report published by the World Health Organization, every year around 1 million lose their lives due to suicide. If the proportion is measured, one suicide occurs in every 40 seconds. And before a single successful attempt, there are 20 more attempts. In the age group of 15-29 years, suicide is the second most common reason for death. The report also mentions that the rate is higher in low and middle-income countries where the half of the population is below 25 years. Pakistan is at risk zone as per experts as they have found out the number of research topics on suicide is very less in Pakistan. The experts thus believe that Pakistan needs to work on the missing link which is taking many lives because of the lack of awareness.

The links with depression

Suicide, self-destructive ideation, and self-destructive practices can be a consequence of a blend of reasons including financial components, and it is likewise emphatically connected to mental sicknesses, for example, dejection which is otherwise termed as depression. Mental misery is an amazingly crippling, dependable, and a genuine issue that needs care and medication just like any other ailment of the body. Pakistan, as mentioned earlier, had been slow in implementing the practices.

The lack of professional therapists in Pakistan

As per the sources, the Psychological or Counseling licensing body is absent in Pakistan. Due to this reason, you will find many less qualified therapists with a year’s diploma is addressing the issues of mental stress. Experts say that the knowledge and exposure of therapists need an education of years after which a person is adequately qualified to handle suicidal behaviors in a patient. There are certain steps that experienced and professional therapists suggest in order to prevent and cure the tendencies of suicide. Experts also say that there is a requirement of detailed training on crisis intervention counseling. This is required to counsel suicidal behavior of patients who are going through intense emotional upheaval.

Some added issues

Tanoli was professedly experiencing depression and was a severe sufferer of cyberbullying. While the correct reasons stay obscure, as of late cyberbullying has been recognized as a contributing reason for depression, lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, and can influence a person’s self-idea or lead to body shaming. While some may not be influenced by cyberbullying or internet trolling, others can endure it enormously as the online presence becomes the bread earning option. Cyberbullying can even be more harming than customary harassing on the grounds that the domineering person does not need to ever face the casualty, may not understand when to stop and is totally confined from the injury caused to the victim. This is yet another zone where psychological wellness discourse and support is missing for the victim and as per reports specialists in Pakistan are for the most part untrained to manage such circumstances.

Suicide is preventable

This is something that the WHO authorities wish to focus on. They want to spread this message to all so that it reaches the probable victim and they know that they will get help if they need it. The patient needs enough care and support through which the suicidal thoughts can be unturned and depression can be treated. People need to address the mental crisis and the intense emotions that one faces when they are in a state where they feel the urge to end their lives.

Recently designated President Arif Alvi specified the requirement of "hotlines" where people can seek help during the phase of extreme depression. The capacity of a hotline emergency guiding administration is to counteract impending threat through legitimate professional instructors. This service will be a major advance towards attending emotional wellness needs. He also mentioned that in case, inadequate individuals are running the hotline it would cause more damage than anything helpful.

The experts of mental health say that we have to discuss suicide on various stages since it happens so frequently. We have to make people mindful of the assistance and choices accessible in light of the fact that it can happen to anyone and anytime. We have to change the manner in which we address it – "committing suicide" – which signifies that it is a wrongdoing. Rather it should be treated in a way that you are talking about life. Despite the fact that the attempt to suicide is a culpable crime in Pakistan, but by changing the way we talk about it won't just open ways to those looking for help but also help those who are thinking it is a disgrace or blame, and stopping themselves from seeking help.

In case, you know someone who needs help, guide him/her to take proper counseling from certified professionals because you never know who might be the next Anam Tanoli.