Trigger warning: Sensitive content
The heartbreaking news of 16-year-old Meera’s suicide, the adored daughter of South Indian actor and composer Vijay Antony, shook the world on September 19. The tragedy occurred at their Chennai residence, horrifying the entertainment industry and the general public. In this article, we hope to provide all of the information you need to understand the tragic situation.
Vijay Antony’s Heartfelt Statement:
Vijay Antony released a heartfelt note on social media a day after Meera’s cremation, expressing his tremendous loss and love for his daughter. He stated, “All you kind-hearted, My daughter Meera is very loving and brave. She has now gone to a better and peaceful place devoid of caste, religion, money, envy, pain, poverty, and vengeance. She is still conversing with me.” He added, “I have died along with her. I have started spending time with her now. Whatever good deeds that I will be doing henceforth on behalf of her, will be initiated by her.” These statements were shared on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Link to statement: https://twitter.com/vijayantony/status/1704860844872610169
Meera’s Suicide Note:
On September 19, around 3 a.m., Meera was found unconscious in her room. Vijay and his family took her to a nearby private hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A day after her death, authorities uncovered a suicide note written in English inside their home. According to the police, the note showed love and longing for her family and friends, stating, “I love you all, miss you all, I will miss my friends and teachers. My family will suffer without me.” These heartbreaking phrases revealed the mental suffering Meera was going through.
Vijay Antony’s Old Statement about Suicide:
Vijay Antony had previously spoken about the painful history of his family’s experience with suicide. He said that his father committed suicide when Vijay was only seven years old, making a lasting impression on him and his family. In an interview with News18, he emphasised the devastation that suicide can cause for those left behind, stating, “No matter how painful life gets, or the kind of difficulties you might have to go through, never commit suicide. It is heartbreaking for the children. My father took his own life when I was 7 and my sister was 5. I have seen how difficult it was for my mother after that and the hardships she has gone through.”
About Meera:
Meera, Vijay Antony’s and Fatima’s oldest daughter, was born in 2007. She was a hardworking student in her final year of high school at a private school in Chennai. Her ambitions were focused on the medical profession. According to reports, she was just elected as the cultural secretary head at her school. Unfortunately, reports indicate that she had been struggling with mental stress for several months and was receiving counselling for it.
How Parents/Guardians Can Help:
• Build a nonjudgmental environment in which your child can express what they think and feel. When they voice their concerns, attentively and emotionally listen to them.
• Check for signs of trouble in children. These signs could involve sudden behavioural changes, disinterest in social activities, a decline in academic performance, or displaying feelings of hopelessness. If you observe any of these symptoms, don’t be afraid to seek professional assistance.
• Understand how academic pressure can contribute to stress and anxiety in young people like Meera. Encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle rather than constantly urging them towards academic objectives.
Professional Tips from Experts:
• According to an article from the National Associates of School Psychologists, parents/guardians should always take threats seriously. If your child has ever indicated suicidal ideas, even in the most insignificant way, you must communicate about it. Don’t take it easy and assume that they ‘probably didn’t mean it’.
• If you are uncomfortable discussing it, or if you believe your child is not opening up to you, ask someone they trust to speak with them. Again, don’t give up after a couple of attempts. Nevertheless, you also cannot force them.
• If you believe your child is more likely to open up to a teacher, request their assistance. Follow up with them and stay in touch about the problem until you know it’s resolved.
Our Final Thoughts:
Meera’s untimely demise is an upsetting example of the need to address mental health issues and offer support to those in need. It is critical for everyone to work together to remove the stigma surrounding mental health. We must ensure that individuals, particularly young people like Meera, have access to the necessary resources and help. The tragedy has sparked significant discussions on the state of mental health in our society, stressing the importance of improved student support and empathy. Our thoughts and condolences are with the bereaved family during this terrible time. If you or someone you know is suffering from mental health problems, ask for help and guidance from medical professionals and helplines.
Helplines: Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050,
Aasra: 022 2754 6669 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918 Sources: Times of India, The Indian Express and Hindustan Times
By,Ashbiha Fathima