Whispers of HOPE: Preventing Suicide

In the bustling city of Lahore, amidst the cacophony of life, lived a woman named Areeba. She belonged to a middle-class family. She was known for her radiant smile, but behind her cheerful facade lay a world of pain and despair.

Areeba married at the age of 28 years, because of multiple rejections by the proposals who came to visit her house. These people were very greedy and demanded heavy dowry from her parents. They judged her average beauty and her class as well. Then, after much efforts she married Imran. Her husband, Imran, was a civil engineer, and this was an arranged marriage. Areeba’s in-laws pretended to be happy at the start of her marriage. However, the reality of her marriage was far from the fairy tale she had imagined. 

Imran was controlling and emotionally abusive. He belittled her dreams, dismissed her opinions, & constantly degraded her on every trivial matter of household. As time passed, the bitterness in relationship led Imran to physically abuse Areeba. Imran’s physical abuse towards Areeba was both brutal and relentless. He would often lash out in anger, leaving her with bruises and scars that told a story of pain and fear. Each act of violence further trapped Areeba in a cycle of terror, making her feel increasingly helpless and isolated.

 Areeba’s life with her in-laws was also a daily battle against emotional abuse. They constantly undermined her self-worth, criticizing her every action and decision. Her mother-in-law would belittle her cooking, comparing it unfavourably to others. The relentless negativity and manipulation eroded Areeba’s confidence, leaving her feeling trapped and powerless in a household that should have been her sanctuary. Despite the facade of a united family, Areeba’s spirit was slowly being crushed under the weight of their emotional cruelty. The once vibrant Areeba found herself trapped in a gilded cage, her spirit slowly withering away.

The society around her was no refuge. In a culture where a woman’s worth was often measured by her ability to maintain a household and bear children, Areeba’s struggles were dismissed. “It’s just a phase,” they said. “Be patient, and things will get better.” But things did not get better. The emotional abuse escalated, and Areeba’s mental health began to deteriorate.

She found herself sinking into a deep depression, her thoughts turning darker with each passing day. The pain she felt inside was tearing and stabbing her soul. The weight of her circumstances became unbearable, and she began to contemplate ending her life. The thought of escaping her pain, even through death, seemed like a relief.

One evening, as she stood on the balcony of her apartment, looking down at the bustling streets below, she felt an overwhelming urge to jump. But something held her back. A faint glimmer of hope, a whisper of a voice telling her that her life was worth more than the pain she was enduring.

Determined to find a way out, Areeba reached out to an old friend, Zara, who had always been a source of strength and support. Zara listened without judgment, offering a shoulder to cry on and words of encouragement. She introduced Areeba to a support group for women facing similar struggles. For the first time in years, Areeba felt understood and validated.

Through the support group, Areeba learned about World Pulse, an online community where women from around the world shared their stories and supported each other. She joined the platform and began to write about her experiences. The act of putting her pain into words was cathartic, and the responses she received from other women were empowering. She realized she was not alone; countless others had faced similar battles and emerged stronger.

Areeba’s journey to healing was not easy. There were days when the darkness threatened to consume her, but she clung to the support of her newfound community. She began to see a therapist, who helped her navigate her emotions and develop coping strategies. Slowly, she started to reclaim her sense of self-worth.

With Zara’s help, Areeba found the courage to leave her toxic marriage. It was a difficult decision, fraught with societal judgment and financial uncertainty, but she knew it was the only way to save herself. She moved into a small apartment and started working as a freelance writer, using her talent for storytelling to earn a living.

As she rebuilt her life, Areeba became an advocate for women’s rights and mental health awareness. She shared her story at webinars and panel discussions, hoping to inspire other women to seek help and break free from abusive situations. Her journey from the depths of despair to a place of empowerment resonated with many, and she became a beacon of hope for those still trapped in the shadows.

Years later, as Areeba stood on the same balcony where she had once contemplated ending her life, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had faced unimaginable pain and emerged stronger, not just for herself, but for all the women who looked up to her. Her story was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community and support.

Areeba’s life was far from perfect, but it was hers to live on her terms. She had found her voice and used it to uplift others, proving that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope.

I want to ask a question to all people who surround Areeba and other such women, Who authorizes you to reject, degrade, belittle, and manipulate other people? Are human beings especially women, so worthless and cheap that you treat them as slaves after marriage? Why does society continue to turn a blind eye to the emotional and physical abuse women endure, perpetuating a cycle of cruelty & suffering? How can we justify the narcissistic behaviors that incline women towards suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendency? When will we collectively take responsibility and create a culture of respect and equality for all women?