Suicide prevention: The role of technology & first aiders?

Suicide is a deeply complicated issue, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution to preventing it. When we think about what leads someone to such a tragic outcome, we have to consider a mix of personal struggles, social pressures, and health issues. It's never just one thing; it's a tangled web of factors that come together in a way that can sometimes feel overwhelming. This is why tackling suicide prevention isn't easy—it demands more than just one approach or one strategy or program in India and elsewhere.

It's not just about raising awareness or offering helplines (though those things are literally vital.) We need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture...and especially at the role technology has on suicide.

Technology's dual role: Connection and caution

Technology has brought us closer together, allowing for real-time conversations and support networks that transcend geographical boundaries. However, it also brings challenges that need careful navigation..especially when it comes to digital mental health tools/app/s or wearables. Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and the potential for harmful content, must be addressed.

See more: Ethical challenges of digital mental health for young people

Yet, when used responsibly, technology can be a powerful tool for suicide prevention, providing platforms for support, education, and outreach. However, it's important to understand and notice changes in how someone else is behaving suicidal online.

Suicidal warning signs

Social withdrawal is a major red flag when it comes to depression and suicidal behaviour. You'd think it would be easy to spot when someone's pulling away from their social circle, but it's not always that clear-cut. Sometimes, this behaviour slips under the radar, even to those who are closest to the person.

That's where technology steps in again, this time as a silent observer. With passive monitoring through our smartphones, it's possible to map out social interactions and detect when someone might be isolating themselves.

Also, speech patterns or the way people express themselves on social media can be incredibly telling, especially when it comes to identifying someone in crisis. It's a bit unsettling to think about, but the truth is that the words we use often reflect what's going on deep inside.

See also: Talking about suicide: How your words can save lives

When someone's speech shifts noticeably—whether they start talking more about hopelessness or withdraw from their usual tone—it could be a sign that they're struggling more than they're letting on. What's really eye-opening is that about 80% of people who attempt suicide give some kind of warning beforehand, even if it's subtle. They might drop hints in their conversations, social media posts, or even the lack of them. This statistic is both heartbreaking and hopeful. It shows that if we pay closer attention, we might be able to recognize these signals and step in before it's too late.

So, when we think about the way people communicate—especially online, where it's easy to miss the nuances—we need to remind ourselves that there's often more beneath the surface. A change in someone's speech or the way they post might be their way of reaching out, even if they don't say it directly. We should be mindful of these shifts because they might just be the lifeline someone desperately needs.

Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide is one of those things that often gets overlooked, but it can be a huge red flag when it comes to spotting someone in crisis. Mind you... It's not just about the words themselves but more about the fact that someone is dwelling on these dark topics.

It's easy to dismiss this kind of talk as just venting or being dramatic, but we can't afford to do that. When someone's mind is consumed by thoughts of dying or ending their life, it's usually because they're feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or trapped in a situation they can't see a way out of. This kind of thinking doesn't come out of nowhere... it's often the result of feeling isolated, misunderstood, or simply exhausted from dealing with life's challenges.

Dramatic changes in mood are another sign of a crisis. Dramatic mood swings can often be a sign that something much deeper is going on. When someone's emotions shift suddenly, it's not just a random occurrence. And contrary to what people believe, this change doesn't always have to be "bad." For, e.g. someone can switch from being sad or angry or "moody" to being super calm and (seemingly) happy.

These changes can be a cry for help, a signal that they're struggling with something that feels overwhelming...or that they have come to a decision about their life. We often brush off these signs as just having a "good/bad day" (depending on the sign), but that's where most people can go wrong. It's a complex, heavy situation, and it's up to us to be more observant, to not dismiss these shifts as just a phase.

What are some technology risks to mental health in India?

Social media platforms

The dark side of social media platforms is that these spaces can become echo chambers, where the only voices we hear are ones that agree with us. Even if those thoughts or behaviours are harmful or unhealthy. Instead of broadening your perspectives, these platforms can narrow them, making us less connected to the physical communities we live in.

And then there's the issue of misinformation. Unlike books or journals or MHFA India, the stuff you find on social media isn't usually fact-checked. So, people can easily come across wrong or misleading information, especially about something as personal and complex as mental health or suicide prevention. They might read a post and suddenly think, "Oh, that sounds like me," and start self-diagnosing. But mental health is very complex. It's unique for everyone, and getting the wrong information can do more harm than good.

What's even more troubling is that a lot of online content around mental health leans heavily on medical solutions, almost to the point where we start thinking that popping a pill is the only way to feel better. This overmedicalization ignores the fact that mental health is about so much more than just brain chemistry—it's about your environment, relationships, and how you navigate life. 

And let's not forget the most dangerous content out there—posts that glorify self-harm or even suicide, especially among young people who are still figuring out who they are. It's heartbreaking to think that a tool meant to connect us can also be a source of such deep pain.

Gaming

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of new games and the booming markets, like what's happening in India right now. The gaming market in India is expected to skyrocket from USD 3.49 billion in 2024 to a staggering USD 7.24 billion by 2029. And while it sounds thrilling, we can't ignore the darker side of this surge.

Online games, especially those where you're playing with or against others, have a way of pulling you in. They're designed to be addictive. Sure, they're fun, but when you start playing for hours on end, it can mess with young people's heads. People who game excessively often find themselves battling depression and anxiety.

The lack of sleep is a big issue here. We all know that gaming late into the night is a common habit, but it's not just about being tired the next day. Missing out on sleep messes with your mental health in ways you might not even realize until it's too late. Then there's the whole concept of 'imposter syndrome'—that nagging feeling that you're not as good as others in the game or that you don't really belong, which can be incredibly demoralizing. You'd think playing games would be an escape, but it can end up trapping people in a cycle of negative feelings. There's also the risk of getting hooked on substances to cope with the stress or to stay awake longer to keep playing.

Cyberbullying is another issue that we can't ignore. While we often associate it with social media, it happens in online gaming too. When you're in a game, you're often dealing with people who can say and do pretty awful things without any real consequences. This can make an already vulnerable person feel even worse about themselves.

All these factors—lack of sleep, constant stress, feeling inadequate, not getting enough exercise, being isolated, and facing bullying—create a perfect storm for mental health issues. It's not surprising that some people (especially the youth of India) end up feeling so hopeless that they consider taking their own lives.

The human element? Mental Health First Aid(ers)

Suicide prevention is a topic that deserves more than just a passing glance; it requires a deep dive into how we, as a society, address mental health. Technology plays a massive role in our daily lives, and it has the potential to be a game-changer in suicide prevention. But let's not forget the human element—the role of first aiders. These are the people who often step in when things go wrong physically, but their potential impact on mental health is just as significant, if not more so.

Mental Health First Aiders don't get the attention they deserve. 

Sure, we're all taught how to bandage a wound or perform CPR, but what about when someone's struggling mentally? That's where first aiders can become real lifesavers, not just in emergencies but in everyday life. It's about more than just being prepared for the worst... it's about being there for people in their daily struggles, making mental health a normal topic of conversation.

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways first-aiders can contribute is by reaching out to others regularly, even when there isn't a visible crisis. People need to feel less alone, to know that there are those out there who genuinely care about their well-being. First aiders can be the catalysts for this change.

Final thoughts

We have to approach technology with a mix of appreciation and caution. It's a powerful force in our lives, one that can bring us closer or push us apart, depending on how we use it. So, while we embrace the benefits it brings, we should also stay mindful of the potential pitfalls, especially when it comes to the sensitive area of mental health.

Now, technology, on its own, can feel a bit impersonal. Sure, we have apps and online resources, and those can be lifesavers. But the real power comes from how we use them. It's not just about having a hotline number or a chat service available; it's about making sure people feel like there's a real person on the other end who actually cares. Because let's be honest, when someone's in that deep, dark place, they're not just looking for information.... they're looking for connection. They want to feel seen, heard, and understood.

To learn more about suicide prevention and mental health in general, take Mental Health First Aid India. The course will teach you how to identify and respond to signs of mental health issues. It's never easy but your support, words or how you approach someone can make a huge difference in that someone's life.