Ampati/Shillong, Sept 10:Did you know, India has the highest number of suicides in the world. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, in 2022 alone, 1.71 lakh people died by suicide in the country. A leading cause for this tragic figure is depression. As such, a day dedicated to create awareness on mental health to prevent suicides becomes all the more important.

Doing its bit, Meghalaya joined the rest of world on Tuesday to observe the World Suicide Prevention Day, creating awareness on the critical issue of mental health and suicide prevention, issues that are brushed aside by most in India.

A host of schools, health professionals, and community leaders of South West Garo Hills came together on Tuesday to raise awareness on the mental health and suicide prevention, taking special note of the growing concerns on the include of social media on youth. The event was organized by the District Mental Health Program (DMHP) at Chengkompara Adolescent Health Resource Centre, under the global theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.

Attendees included teachers and students from several schools, including St. Claret Secondary School, Ampati Government Higher Secondary School, Cool Shadow Secondary School, Chengkom Medic Secondary School, and Mother’s Union Secondary School.

As part of the week-long Suicide Prevention Week, a series of competitions—Extempore Speech, Role Play, Poster Making, and Musical Chairs, were organized for students from various schools in Ampati. Prizes were awarded to the winners during the main event on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Speaking at the event, District Superintendent of Police, Vikash Kumar spoke on the growing risks posed by social media and its potential to contribute to mental health issues among the youth.

Earlier, in his keynote address, BDO of Purakhasia C&RD Block, Dr. A.K. Marak highlighted the urgent need for suicide prevention and the importance of mental health education at the grassroots level. Additionally, Medical Superintendent of Ampati Civil Hospital, Dr. Denisha Momin, addressed the root causes of mental illness and its link to rising suicide rates.

Throughout the week, the DMHP conducted awareness programs in schools and communities, focusing on the prevention of suicide and promoting mental health resources available to the public.

The event was a powerful reminder of the role that community and health programs can play in addressing mental health challenges and promoting suicide prevention.

NEIGRIHMS observes World Suicide Prevention Day 

Shillong-based NEIGRIHMS also organised an awareness programme to observed the day. The Department of Psychiatry and the Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) Cell organized a poster competition for the nursing staff and the students of the institute to raise awareness on suicide prevention and also to destigmatize suicide.

The theme for posters was “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with a call to action to Start the Conversation.

The students and the staff participated very actively and their enthusiasm was visible through their artful creativity.

In all, 45 participants took part in the event. Information on early signs about suicide; how people with suicidal ideation can be helped; how suicide can be prevented – seeking help; consulting mental health professionals; treating mental illness and so on – were succinctly depicted through posters.

The posters and information banners were displayed in the hospital foyer for many to see and become aware and get educate on the significance of suicide prevention.

In addition, Kimberly Syiem, Clinical Psychologist of the Department of Psychiatry, NEIGRIHMS also participated in a discussion at ‘Akashvani Shillong’ along with other mental health experts of Shillong city to help raise awareness on suicide prevention.

North Garo Hills calls for community support

Similarly, the day was also observed in North Garo Hills at the Resubelpara RMSA Secondary School, Resubelpara on Tuesday.

District Nodal Officer, DMHP, Dr Rezia Sangma, said the programme focused on supporting people who are struggling with mental health issues by encouraging them to create a culture of openness thereby reducing stigma around suicide and help prevent suicide.

She also called upon the community to support by identifying people with suicidal issues and encouraged them to seek help. Dr Rezia further highlighted the activity of District Mental Health Programme and urged anyone with mental issues to avail assistance being provided by DMHP.

Earlier, a cycle rally as part of world suicide prevention day was held wherein A•we Pedallers Club Resubelpara participated to raise awareness in suicide prevention.

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