World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 creates awareness to prevent suicides. The idea is to spread positivity, give people hope and courage to face different issues of life and be by the side of those who feel vulnerable, sad or dejected. Suicidal thoughts are common, many of us have it at some point of life. Nikhil Nanda shares his thoughts on the importance of the day and personal experiences. The pace of life has become super fast in terms of career especially in the metro cities. Also, in entertainment industry, suicide is becoming a common issue. Nanda, a first generation entrepreneur, industrialist, fitness enthusiast, philanthropist and actor, also addresses these concerns.
“There are these three things I believe every Indian has a thought of at some point in their life. One to become an actor gives the UPSC and suicidal thoughts. I am no different,” he says.
However, since it is September 10, he talks more about it. “I was in class 10 and had my boards in 2-3 months while I had flunked in two subjects in my pre-boards. I was always stressed about my boards and at that time I had just learnt to drive a car. So, while going out with the family, I was asked to drive. However being under so much stress, I ended up banging the car without anyone getting hurt but the vehicle was damaged. We were not from a rich background hence this expense was a huge burden on the family unexpectedly. So, I was under severe stress when both happened together thinking I should probably end my life to free my family from all the miseries. I even locked myself in the bathroom and was thinking of drinking the phenyle. But what helped me get through this is Hanuman ji and his blessings. The thoughts were soon changed from I am failure to I need to prove I can do it. Thereafter it was a 360 degree change and I ended up 3rd in my school, got into the best college in DU, and did an 11,000 kms road trip in the USA (drove from LA to New York),” he adds.
Nikhil continues that what needs to be done is having a firm belief in all situations. “With social media life has become so busy that nobody has time for anyone. And this has made every individual very lonely. In the entertainment industry if you are successful it’s always lonely on the top. And, if you are a struggler, then nobody wants to be associated with you as you bring nothing on the table, so either way you are a lonely soul that gives rise to depression. In such situations, learn to believe in yourself and your God,” he ends.
