Monday, 21 OCTOBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Various factors such as lack of acceptance, personal issues, societal stigma and other influences may have led individuals to take their own lives while dressed in female attire, the experts said. This observation comes in light of two recent incidents in the State. The first incident involved a Pantnagar airport official who was discovered deceased in a room dressed in a Sari while also donning Sindoor, bangles and other items in June. Similarly, a worker at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie was found hanging from a noose in the official quarter wearing women’s attire on Thursday. Experts suggested that in order to prevent such tragedies, it is the responsibility of both society and parents to empathetically understand any unconventional feelings their children may have regarding their gender identity, rather than resorting to blame or criticism.
Clinical neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta expressed concern over recent incidents of suicide where the individuals were found wearing women’s attire. She emphasised that those individuals likely suffered from a mental disorder, often feeling a mismatch between their inner sense of gender and their physical sex. The lack of acceptance and understanding from society, along with the stigma attached to gender identity issues can lead to depression and ultimately, suicide. She further explained that societal stigma, bullying and frustration place a heavy burden on individuals struggling with their gender identity, ultimately exacerbating their mental health issues. Therefore, some individuals may choose to dress in women’s clothing before taking their own lives as a way to challenge societal norms and convey the pain and isolation they had experienced. She stated that in order to prevent this, society must eliminate their stigma and refrain from blaming, harassing and body shaming individuals who experience unconventional feelings about their gender. Additionally, parents should understand that simply counselling is not enough for such individuals. Instead of pressurising them, parents should provide emotional support and be aware of hormonal changes without blaming their children, she said.
Clinical psychologist Pratibha Sharma noted that issues surrounding LGBTQ, personality and lack of acceptance have caused many individuals to struggle with gender identity, leading some to consider suicide particularly while dressed in female attire. The lack of acceptance from both the individual and society results in psychological issues, anxiety and depression, which may ultimately culminate in suicide in extreme cases. In addition to this, individuals experiencing such behaviour and contemplating suicide while dressed as a female are simply attempting to demonstrate to society their future acceptance and their satisfaction regarding fulfillment. To prevent this, society must increase awareness and offer support instead of harassment, accepting these individuals into the community. Parents should ensure that they and their children receive counselling on sexual matters rather than placing blame.
