It is an appeal for help. Instead of being a maladaptive mechanism or an expression of self-defeat, the suicide attempt is often an effective coping mechanism for the Indian woman. Yes, an effective coping mechanism. The rage against injustice and abuse in their lives and the lack of power to do anything about it is turned inward by Indian women who attempt to take their lives by swallowing Clorox. This becomes not only a call for help but also a way to effect positive change in their life, at least for the short term.
Immediate attention is paid to the woman who attempted suicide.
Mehta arrives at this conclusion based on the number of her respondents who 'having released bottle-up emotions and frustrations came to terms with adjusting to their life situation. She stresses that this is the short term result as the study of long-term effect of attempted suicide in the lives of women is beyond the scope of the research. Mehta offers some recommendation on how her research may be used by social workers and policy makers to help women cope with domestic violence and abuse without having to attempt suicide. She also has a couple of pieces of advice for women in general to help themselves. This strength would find expression in verbal and behavioral terms, which in turn will lead to greater confidence, assertiveness and independence.