World Suicide Prevention Day 2024
Changing the narrative on suicide

Dr Mona Nongmeikapam *

Suicide (derived from Latin-Sui for self, cere meaning to kill) is the modern day pandemic that we still talk about in hushed tones. It however can no longer be ignored, given the huge number of individuals affected.

Needless to say, it is a major public health challenge, resulting in more than 700,000 deaths each year globally and affecting lakhs of families. The aftermath: be it social, emotional, and economic consequences, leaves scars that last a lifetime, affecting individuals and homes, worldwide.

The World Suicide Prevention Day theme chosen for the years 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. The call for action is phrased: ”Start the Conversation”. World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and aims giving out a singular universal message that suicide can be prevented.

Given the size of this global pandemic, WSPD has gained growth and momentum over the years, with over 60 countries observing the event in various capacities. The advent of social media has ensured wide coverage and a short film produced by International Association for Suicide Prevention in 2020 titled “Step Closer” was viewed over 30 million times. No mean feat, indeed.

But are these enough ? Absolutely not, because as the short video shows, over 20 million individuals attempt suicide every year. Every 40 seconds, a person dies as a result of suicide and every 25 seconds, someone is attempting to commit suicide.

A look at the National figures reveal an alarming 1.71 lakh recorded suicides in 2022, which is about 4.2% increase over 2021 and a drastic 27% rise, compared to 2018. Closer home, the National Mental Health Survey-I reported the suicidal risk in Manipur to be 10.2%, the National highest rate, just after Kerala.

CAUSES OF SUICIDE

Suicidal behaviours are difficult to comprehend and the causes are usually multi-factorial. It could range from physical and mental health issues, stressful life events, social and cultural factors, financial and relationship crises, career struggles to name a few. The triennial theme aims at raising awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

‘Changing the narrative on suicide’ means transforming the way we perceive suicide and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.

Meaning, encouraging people to speak openly on suicide and its prevention. Every conversation could contribute to a supportive and understanding society. Thus eventually, 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 providing support for those in need.

Every Nation, community or individual is at a different stage in their understanding and awareness of suicide prevention. Irrespectively, there are many ways to be involved in the Suicide Prevention observation. The World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 calls for each and every one of us to get involved, get talking and hence, change the narrative.

Here are some ways in which each of us can contribute towards Suicide Prevention Month, which is observed throughout the month of September, across the globe

AS INDIVIDUALS

Check in with loved ones

The alarming figures and the scary frequency at which individuals from various walks of life and age groups seem to be succumbing to “these thoughts” screams the need for all of us to sit up and be stakeholders in suicide prevention.

So being empathetic to our own or a near one’s own mental health needs, being mindful of our words and actions, taking time out to reach out to friends, family, colleagues or acquaintances who seem to be struggling and encouraging them to seek help are all ways in which we can contribute.

Keep informed

Getting involved in training opportunities, reading up on Suicide Prevention Campaigns by reliable sources and getting involved in local programmes and initiatives. Every year, even in our State, various organisations, Government and non-Government organise Suicide Awareness programmes to mark the event. Getting involved, participating whenever possible and spreading the word will be good initiatives.

Sharing one’s story

If you have a personal struggle against suicidality or if you are a suicide survivor (having lost someone close to suicide), sharing your experiences could be extremely insightful to someone who is having a similar struggle of their own. The simple act of sharing could inspire them to seek help and rise above the notion of stigma.

Become advocates for mental health awareness

We can promote mental health awareness within our own circles, at schools, colleges, workplace, Leikais, amongst friends and families. Social media is a powerful tool and we could use it to spread awareness, in ways big or small.

FOR COMMUNITIES

Organise events

Organising public awareness events are a good way of bridging the gap and reducing stigma. A memorial event for those who lost their battles against suicide or a forum for sharing grief/ support could be an initiative.

Pamphlets, posters and online campaigning

Websites, Helplines and apps that offer mental health resources and support are initiatives that we can take up as a community.

Spaces and Forum for ventilation

We could create support group meetings, create forums (both online and in-person) and simply provide a non-judgmental environment where individuals in distress could ventilate and access the support or guidance they need.

FOR ORGANISATIONS

Every year the Indian Psychiatric Society, the Indian Medical Association, Government and non-Government organisations, educational institutions etc try novel ways like debates, cycle rally, talk shows and competitive activities for the masses to mark the occasion.

This year, the Indian Medical Association Manipur State branch is organising an essay competition for school students State-wide on the topic of “Suicide Prevention”.

Likewise, the State Health Society, Manipur is inviting for a 10-minute Stage Play Competition on the same topic. Attractive incentives are promised to generate wider coverage and interest.

Besides, stress management and awareness programmes for workplaces, in-house counsellors in institutes and large organisation and access to mental health support are imperative. Supportive, flexible workplace environment and normalising mental help seeking is the need of the hour.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT

Mental health has come a long way in the country. Outreach programmes are being conducted far and wide, a 24-hour Tele-psychiatry helpline TELEMANAS (dial 14416) is available, mental health experts are being recruited in large numbers, several research and programmes are being funded and the Ministry is actively taking notice of the massive country’s mental health needs.

But the statistics clearly indicate that these are not enough. There is one Psychiatrist for a lakh Manipuri population. We are yet to have our own Mental hospital. 26 individuals are reported to have lost their lives due to suicide in Manipur in 2022 (CID Crime Branch Report). Young lives continue to be snatched prematurely, and suicide continues to be one of the leading causes of death in individuals under 40 years.

By addressing these areas and working collaboratively across sectors, we can create a more supportive and compassionate society where suicide is preventable, and everyone feels valued and understood. Start the conversation today.

Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding society. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a future where suicide prevention is prioritized. Where every life matters.