World Suicide Prevention Day observed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 25 2023:
The need for urgent intervention to reduce suicide cases was emphasised on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day observance organised under the theme 'Creating hope through action' by District Health Society, District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Imphal East at Lamlai Higher Secondary School on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, Imphal East DMHP district nodal officer Md Abdus Sabir said that suicide is a result of severe mental health issue.
The average rate of suicide is over 7 lakh per day globally and as per National Crime Records Bureau's 2021 report, the country reported over 1.6 lakh suicide cases a year.
Every second, 40 people commit suicide and out of every 20 people who attempted, one commits suicide globally.
At least 77 per cent of suicide cases occur in low to moderate income countries.
In India, the rate is 12 per cent for every 1 lakh people, and fortunately, the rate is low in the state with only 1.5 per cent for every 1 lakh people.
Despite the low figure, a person committing suicide is a loss for the society as a whole and as such, there is urgent need for intervention to further reduce the rate, he said.
Disassociation from family and friends, school, sports, hobbies, panicky feeling, short tempered associated with behaviour changes, preparation of will, giving away properties, accumulation of poisonous substances or deadly weapons, excessive use of internet along with sharing or showing interest in negative contents or sudden disassociation with internet are some of the major non-verbal signs of suicidal tendency, the nodal officer explained.
Stating that suicide can be prevented, he said that family and friends need to look for signs and support such people by encouraging, instilling hopes and controlling their emotions.
Extra care should be given to people having suicidal tendency.
It should be treated as a public health priority, he added.
Imphal East CMO and DHS mission director Dr L Indira and Lamlai Higher Secondary School principal K Somobala attended the event as chief guest and president respectively.
An essay writing competition for students was also held as part of the observance, in which 50 students participated.
Top three winners along with five consolation winners were presented prizes while the other participants were presented certificates of participation.