Ahmedabad: Repeated threats of suicide by her teenage daughter over nearly two years left a single mother from west Ahmedabad seeking help from the Abhayam 181 women’s helpline. The 17-year-old had also reportedly attempted suicide by consuming pills and had engaged in self-harm. Counsellors spoke to both the mother and daughter and advised them on continued mental health care. The mother was also asked to spend more time with her daughter and offer emotional support.The helpline received a call after the girl threatened to take her life. The mother told counsellors that she had been dealing with such threats for nearly two years and was exhausted by the situation.According to a counsellor, the girl had earlier attempted suicide by consuming pills and had also engaged in self-harm. Her father died five years ago, following which she became distressed and showed signs of psychological difficulty, the mother told the counsellors.The girl had been receiving counselling from time to time, but her anger and emotional distress had continued. The mother, who works to support the family, said relatives and friends had also been supporting the daughter and allowing her considerable freedom to help her cope.The counselling focused on encouraging the girl to take her prescribed medicines regularly and continue addressing her mental health concerns. The mother was advised to spend more time with her daughter and provide emotional support, the counsellor said.
