Chennai: Paul Anbu (42), the Community Engagement Specialist with International Justice Mission, Chennai, may be leading a normal life today. With two children of his own, he works hard to be a good role model for them.
However, his life experience of over 20 years ago continued to daunt him.
Failing class 12 was a major disappointment and suicide was his only option. He attempted to end his life on a number of occasions, beginning with a plan to jump off a running train, which he had no courage to carry out.
“Influenced by the number of movies I had watched as a youngster, I thought consuming sleeping pills could help me in my plan. I consumed them and woke up the next morning with a hangover and severe chest pain,” he said.
His next option was rat poison. “I bought some and mixed it with Complan one night. I woke up throwing up black colour vomit. I still didn’t die. It was then that I realized there was a purpose for me,” he said.
Twenty-seven-year-old Avinash M. was in a relationship with a woman for over seven years. Devastated, Avinash attempted suicide multiple times. Unable to succeed in his attempts, he went through a long, messy, excruciatingly painful, dark period trying to cope with the situation.
“I was desperate to end my life. I found no meaning in continuing. My aunt managed to convince me to meet a counsellor and I approached a clinic in Egmore. Counselor, P. Nilam, spoke to me very kindly. She tried to make me see that there was more to life. After a number of sessions and more failed suicide attempts, I was able to come out of my depression,” said the youngster, who now runs a flourishing business of his own.
