Suicide Prevention Day observed across state
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 10 2022:
National Mental Health Program, National Health Mission and Directorate of Health Services jointly observed the 20th World Suicide Prevention Day on the theme of Creating hope through action' at the hall of IMA, Lamphelpat, here, on Saturday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Health Services director Dr K Sasheekumar Mangang informed that suicide is preventable and as such, urged all concerned to extend their help in this regard.
He then proposed for introducing some kind of mechanism to deter a person from acting out suicidal thoughts.
Timely action will help prevent suicides, especially when the individual is having second thoughts, he remarked.
According to medical science, suicide is caused by three factors, namely agent, host and environment, which contribute to suicidal ideation.
Only when these three factors are separated, can suicide be prevented.
However, it is difficult to separate the three, he added.
The director then remarked that there is lack of awareness amongst the masses regarding suicide prevention.
A person fears of dying the most.
However, when someone commits suicide, it is mostly because they see no future and feel hopeless.
Passing judgement carelessly on others is not good for the society, but rather an opportunity for reformation must be given.
Giving hope in a timely manner is the biggest help to someone suffering from suicidal ideation, he contended.
Presided over by Medi-cal Directorate additional director (Public Health) Dr Y Gopalkrishna, the observance was attended by additional director (Medical Care) Dr Lalthari Hmar as guest of honour, along with students from various schools.
As part of the observance, a state level symposium competition was organised, followed by release of a poster pertaining to the occasion.
Meanwhile, Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch organised an awareness programme in connection with World Suicide Prevention Day at Re store Home, Heibongpokpi, Lamsang on Saturday.
The programme was attended by Dr S Manikanta, Prof K Shantibala, Dr S Gojendra, Dr Nelson Loitongbam, Dr Mona N, Dr Asheema Haobijam and A Gopendro as presidium members.
In all, 100 inmates of the home along with their respective families participated in the programme.
On the other hand, in connection with World Suicide Prevention Day, Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, RIMS carried out a cycle rally on the theme of 'Creating hope through action', here, on Saturday.
The rally was flagged off by RIMS MS Prof N Sanjib from the western gate of Kangla and passed through Nagamapal and RIMS road before culminating at the Psychiatry Department of RIMS.
The participants of the rally were accorded a warm welcome by RIMS director Prof A Santa.
In his speech, Department of Psychiatry head Prof Dr RK Lenin informed that one person commits suicide every 40 seconds, which means that around 8 lakhs people commit suicide in a year.
After a person commits suicide, around 20 people attempt to follow suit.
Stating that the timely action is key to preventing suicides, Dr Lenin said that if anyone has developed suicidal tendency, depression and anti-social behaviours, they should be comforted and taken care of with all the love in the world, in addition to providing them with all necessary help.
Dr Lenin continued that the number of suicides in the state has increased over the last 5-10 years, with only a few cases being reported in the media.
There are still things that the people are unaware of.
Although it is difficult to conduct a statistical analysis, the number of people seeking clinical help has increased over the years.
Stating that doctors and nurses alone are not responsible for prevention of suicide, Prof Dr RK Lenin said that support can be provided by siblings and friends.
Addressing the gathering, RIMS MS Prof N Sanjib remarked that high number of suicides oceur among the young people.
However, suicide is preventable, he said while adding that everyone is responsible for preventing the same.