State Health Society-UTHM Commences Series of Awareness Programme on Suicide Prevention for Schools

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Port Blair, Sept. 10: Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide. The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with the call to action ‘Start the Conversation’. This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support.

The call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support. This theme also emphasizes the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policy making, calling for Government action. Changing the narrative requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care and provide support for those in need.

In this regard, the National Mental Health Programme under the State Health Society-UTHM is conducting awareness campaigns in various Schools & Colleges of Andaman & Nicobar Islands from Sept. 10 which will continue upto Sept.16, 2024. On the first day, the awareness campaigns were launched at Crescent Public School in Wimberlygunj, Carmel Senior Secondary School in Phoenix Bay and Andaman College in Nayagaon.

Dr. Satyajit Halder, Joint Secretary–NMHP, Dr. Anand Lingeswaran, HOD, Department of Psychiatry, ANIIMS and Smti Hemlatha, Clinical Psychologist, NMHP conducted awareness activities in Andaman College.  Ms. Shymali Singh, Clinical Psychologist, Tele-MANAS conducted awareness activity in Crescent Public School and Ms. Nidhi Prakash, Clinical Psychologist, Tele-MANAS conducted at Carmel Senior Secondary School. The topics for discussion dwelt on identifying warning signs of suicide, coping mechanisms for mental health, resources for support and Helplines such as Tele-MANAS Cell (14416) and personal stories of hope and resilience.