World Suicide Prevention Dav observed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 10 2021: As elsewhere in the world, the 19th World Suicide Prevention Day was observed in the state on the theme of Creating hope through action' at the mini hall of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Lamphelpat on Friday.

The observance was jointly organised by National Mental Health Programme, NHM Manipur; Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch and Manipur State Mental Health Authority.

Speaking on the occasion, Health Services additional director (MD) Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang pointed that depression and other mental issues often push many people to take the extreme step.

The Covid-19 pandemic has further aggravated the situation and aside from contracting the virus, people are suffering from mental distress, as has been stated by health experts.

In such a situation, it is up to the doctors and the experts to help the people return to normalcy by providing necessary support, he added.

Delivering the keynote speech, National Mental Health Program state nodal officer Dr A Ranita said that an individual commits suicide when he/she feels there is no hope for living and believes death is the only way out of the pain and suffering.

During such a state of mind, it is important for their family, friends and community to provide them with support, along with necessary action from the professionals.

She then said that doctors alone cannot help prevent an individual from committing suicide but need the support and understanding of the family and friends of the individual.

As such, the doctor urged all concerned to help prevent suicide cases.

"There are many factors which can force a person to commit suicide.

This needs to be properly Identified in time.

In this regard, the state government has been taking up steps to prevent suicide since 2019", Dr Ranita added.

During the observance which was presided over by Indian Psychiatric Society Manipur State Branch vice president Professor Dr K Shantibala, JNIMS Department of Psychiatry SR Dr Janet Konthoujam and Manipur State Mental Health Authority member secretary Dr Kh Robindro spoke on the topics of 'Suicide an Overview' and 'Identifying of a Suicidal Person and Approaching Him/Her' respectively as resource persons.

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