Work-Life Balance & Relationships

WHEN STRENGTH BREAKS IN SILENCE: A LESSON FOR ALL OF US

The Trigger

India’s official mortality data shows a heartbreaking pattern: Suicide has been one of the top two causes of death among Indian youth (15–29 years) for over two decades.

Between 2020 and 2022, nearly 1 in 6 young deaths was due to suicide.
Yes, suicide!

The Reality

This doesn’t just affect one group. It’s across the board:

• Young men, battling unemployment, identity crises, and social expectations, without a safe space to share
• Young women, living under social pressure, domestic abuse, and lack of agency

Even people who looked like they had it all - Sushant Singh Rajput, V.G. Siddhartha made that tragic choice.

Success isn’t immunity.
Suffering doesn’t always show.

My Reflection

We live in a world that rewards strength, but punishes vulnerability.

So many carry silent battles, and because no one asks, they never answer.

1. Suicide is not about weakness. It’s about pain that has no outlet.
2. And when people don’t feel seen, heard, or held even the strongest may break.

What can we do as leaders, coaches, parents, friends?

• Observe – A person going quiet is not always at peace.
• Engage – “I’m here if you need to talk” is more powerful than advice.
• Normalise help – Therapy. Listening. Mentorship. None of this should carry shame.
• Educate and speak – Silence kills. Conversations save.

The Lessons

1. Asking for help is not weakness, it is resilience in motion.
2. And showing up for someone in pain is not charity, it’s humanity.

Let me know what you think.