For Suicide Prevention Month, MedBound Times spoke with Shagun Katoch, a clinical psychologist, PhD scholar and founder of Light Hour LLP, who works extensively with individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. Suicide Prevention Month, observed nationally in the USA, each September, aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide resources for individuals at risk.
In her words, “the human mind wears masks far more skillfully than the face ever can.”
Someone may smile at you, laugh at your jokes, and go about their daily routine, but, she cautions, “beneath that surface could be a storm no one else sees.”
According to Shagun, silent struggles often appear not as overt “illness” but in subtle thought patterns or quiet feelings. “They show up as constant self-questioning,” she said replaying conversations and wondering, Did I say too much? Did I matter at all?
“It’s like being trapped in a loop that no one else can hear.”
Other signs she highlights:
Invisible heaviness – “Waking up in the morning but feeling as if you’re already carrying a weight on your chest before the day even begins.”
The smile as armor – “On the outside: sunshine. On the inside: a room with closed curtains.”
Emotional numbness – “The absence of tears, not because there’s no pain, but because the mind has gone into survival mode. It’s like watching life from behind a glass wall.”
Feeling like a background character – “Going through the motions but sensing life is happening around you, not with you.”
She offers a vivid metaphor:
“It’s like walking into a party with shoes full of pebbles. To the world, you’re dressed up, smiling, holding a glass of champagne. Inside, every step hurts, but no one else can see why.”
“Never assume a smile means someone is okay,” Shagun stresses. “Sometimes the bravest people are the ones who show up, do their work, and keep going despite feeling like they’re quietly bleeding on the inside.”
She explains that suicide is not about one moment of weakness but often about “a deep sense of isolation.” Research consistently shows that strong social support acts as a buffer.
The World Health Organization highlights social connectedness as one of the strongest protective factors for good mental health.
Even small gestures: “You’ve been on my mind, how are you?” or sharing a meal, “reminds a struggling mind that they still belong, that they are tethered to others.”
Many who struggle with suicidal thoughts are not only fighting their present pain but also “carrying the weight of past trauma,” Shagun notes. “Trauma leaves an imprint on the nervous system, it changes how a person sees themselves, the world, and their future.”
She draws a distinction between urgent and ongoing care: “Crisis intervention is like putting a safety net under someone who is about to fall, immediate steps like risk assessment, creating a safety plan, ensuring the person is not left alone, involving supportive others.” But she adds, “once the immediate danger passes, we cannot stop there.”
I often describe it like this: crisis care is about stopping the bleeding; long-term therapy is about healing the wound so it doesn’t reopen again. Both are necessary.Shagun Katoch, Clinical Psychologist & Founder- Light Hour LLP
Shagun lists subtle warning signs that someone might be struggling with suicidal thoughts: becoming unusually quiet, losing interest in hobbies or favorite foods, changes in energy, withdrawing socially, talking in finalities (“What’s the point?” “You’d be better off without me.”), disrupted sleep or eating, giving away personal belongings, and “masked pain — smiling or joking, but with a heaviness that doesn’t match their words.”
“If you notice these shifts, don’t ignore them,” she advises. “Gently check in, listen without judgment, and encourage seeking professional help. Sometimes your presence is the bridge between silence and survival.”
Shagun suggests empathetic phrases:
“I’ve noticed you’ve been quieter than usual. I care about you—how are you really?”
“It sounds like you’re carrying a lot. I’m here to listen, not to judge.”
“You don’t have to go through this alone. Can I help you find professional support?”
“Your life matters to me. I want you here.”
And she cautions against dismissive responses like “Don’t be dramatic,” “Just stay positive,” “Others have it worse,” or “You’re strong, you’ll get over it.”
“The right words don’t have to ‘fix’ everything,” she says. “They simply remind the person that they are not alone, that their pain is valid, and that support exists.”
“Suicide prevention is not only about crisis helplines and therapy,” Shagun concludes.
“It begins with us choosing to check in, listen without judgment, and remind each other: you are not alone, you matter, and help is always possible.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help immediately.
India: Call the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at 1860 2662 345 or AASRA at +91-98204 66726.
United States: Dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
United Kingdom: Call Samaritans at 116 123.
International: Find helplines at https://findahelpline.com, a global suicide prevention directory.
References:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “National Suicide Prevention Month.” https://afsp.org/national-suicide-prevention-month/
World Health Organization. “Suicide.” https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide
Reviewed by Dr. Sumbul, MD Anatomy
SS/MSM