DMHP, Senapati observes 'World Suicide Prevention Day, 2023'
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, September 10 2023:
As observed in the rest of the world, District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Senapati observed "World Suicide Prevention Day, 2023" in collaboration with Friends Across Barriers (FAB), MANEDA, Senapati under the theme "Creating Hope Through Action" at General Thangal Ecological Park.
Speaking in this connection, Meveine Kazia, psychologist and project coordinator of FAB-MANEDA shared that FAB as a project works with 16 villages which aims at strengthening the social cohesion for individuals, children and youths.
A vital goal of the project is also stated to focus on building resilience among the youths, said Meveine Kazia.
Addressing the collaboration with FAB, Paveine Paulina, Clinical Psychologist, DMHP, Senapati said that the youths hailing from the 16 villages is an apt group to help spread awareness about suicide prevention since the message will spread to all these villages through them.
Welcoming the gathering, T Peter Rangnamei, Director, MANEDA encouraged everyone to be more sensible and take initiative towards suicide prevention.
Dr Ngouniba Peter, DNO, DMHP, Senapati in his keynote address said that suicide is preventable and therefore every 10th of September, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed globally to raise awareness for the cause.
He urged the youths to be the ambassador of the society by taking up proactive action to raise awareness, reduce stigmatisation, and provide support so that people who are struggling with difficulties can get help.
In this way, the theme 'Creating Hope Through Action' can be fulfilled, he said.
As part of empowering the youth with knowledge of suicide and its prevention, the participants were divided into groups to work on case vignettes and took it up for discussion.
Topics such as breaking the myths of suicide, warning signs, and varied actions to prevent suicide were discussed by Paulina.
Focusing on healthy lifestyles and honing the talents of youths being an integral part of maintaining youth well-being, dance and music by the participants, interactive games conducted by the facilitators were also part of the programme.
The programme came to a conclusion with everyone saying in unison, "We can save life!" .