Reaching out to those in need is a simple and effective preventative measure
KARACHI: In the wake of Michelle Carter’s case that has shaken America and the world, there are several key lessons to be learned. The involuntary manslaughter case involves a Massachusetts woman who prosecutors claim encouraged her 18-year-old boyfriend, Conrad Roy — via texts and phone calls — to kill himself in 2014, when she was also a teenager. Last week, she was declared guilty.
What’s significant here is for parents to be cognisant of who their children are communicating with. They also should know who their children are friends with or influenced by. Carter and Roy’s relationship was a toxic one. Both were troubled teens that often spoke about suicide. Soon, Carter’s words and text constituted cyberbullying. Roy was harmed psychologically and emotionally based on those words. He did research the methods and made some sort of a plan, but at some point he also wanted not to kill himself and demonstrated that as well. So her words indirectly led him to follow through with his plan. Perhaps this case presents a strong message against cyberbullying by declaring it a punishable crime.
In addition, suicide awareness is an important takeaway, particularly in a society like Pakistan where people are encouraged to suppress their emotions. Experts say some common warning signs of suicide include discussing a desire to die or feeling anxious or hopeless, like a burden or trapped or in pain; withdrawing from others; extreme mood swings, including anger and recklessness; and abnormal sleep patterns.
Reaching out to those in need is a simple and effective preventative measure. If you or someone you know is showing warning signs of suicide, do not bottle up feelings nor encourage it, instead seek out professional help. Suicide is never the answer.
Tuba Wajid
Published in The Express Tribune, June 25th, 2017.
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