Preventing suicides in film industry

Preventing suicides in film industry

Zia Khan’s death has sparked a debate on “how to prevent suicides in film fraternity?

Our survey has shown that at the same level of stress, suicides are more common in film industry compared to equally glamorous IPL.

Similarly, medical profession shows more suicides than nursing profession.

While in every high risk profession, one should look for people who are depressed and risk factors for suicides. They are

i.  Presence of depression

ii.  Presence of hopelessness

iii. Prior suicidal attempts

iv. Prior suicidal threats

v. High impulsivity

vi. Indulgence in alcohol

vii. Indulgence in smoking

viii. Indulgence in substance abuse

ix. Presence of suicidal ideation and intent.

Hopelessness is 1.3 times more important than depression in suicidal ideation. Hopeless may mediate relationship between low self esteem, mental illness, interpersonal loss and suicides.

Impulsivity, particularly amongst adolescents and younger adults is also associated with suicidal thoughts and combination of hopelessness, impulsivity and dis-inhibition due to substance abuse are the main culprits.

Warning signals are:

·  Suicidal thoughts

·  Hopelessness

·  Impulsivity

·  Disinhibition from substance abuse.