World Suicide Prevention Day observed
Disturbing figure of toll on students highlighted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 10 2023: One out of every five suicide victims is a student, said State Mission Director of National Health Mission, Dr Ningombam Somorjit with concern over the alarming figure.

He made the startling statement during the World Suicide Prevention Day observation held today at Indian Medical Association hall at Lamphelpat on the theme "Creating Hope Through Action".

The programme was organised by National Health Mission, Manipur in association with Indian Medical Association, Manipur State Branch and Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch.

World Suicide Prevention Day observed

Dr Ningombam Somorjit, who was attending the programme as the chief guest said, Manipur officially recorded 28 cases of suicide last year (January to December 2022).Of the total cases, five victims were students, he said while expressing concern over the alarming rate of suicide among the students.

The world and India specially focus and expect a great deal from youths but sadly suicide rate among youths are the highest due to various reasons.

In Manipur, one of every five suicide victims is a student as per the official record, he said while maintaining that the actual figure may be higher than this.

It is very important to raise awareness among guardians and general masses that suicide is preventable through timely intervention, he said.

The State Government has also been actively raising awareness to encourage anyone with suicidal thoughts and uneasiness in the minds to consult doctors in time, he said.

"It should be our endeavour to seek doctor's advice in case there is behavioural or thought change among family members and prevent loss of valuable lives," he added.

Meanwhile, president of IMA, Manipur State Branch Dr RK Lenin said life is a combination of happiness and sadness.

One may sometimes feel very discouraged to live on, consider life as an unbearable burden.

And when he or she is overwhelmed by those negative feelings and do not reflect on their thoughts, he or she tend to commit suicide, he said.

Encouragement, giving importance and making positive approaches to near and dear ones in trouble, who are suffering and disheartened due to various situations, are a must to dissuade the negative thoughts and help restore faith in living, he said.

"Death is certain for every being, but it should be our firm resolve to do something noteworthy during our lifetime rather than shortening our lives unreasonably," he said.

Both suffering and happiness constitute the reality of life and as such one should live his or her life to the fullest by savouring both the tastes of life, he said.

In the meantime, suicide was earlier considered a stigma and traditionally not even mentioned inside a home.

But it was due to our lack of consciousness, he said.

Suicide has already become a public health issue, he noted while adding that it is very much preventable.

Not all cases of suicide are linked with mental illness, he continued.

Professor K Shantibala of Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch and Senior Psychiatrist Dr H Angomacha also attended the programme.

A State level extempore speech competition was also organised in connection with the observation programme.

Top three winners were also feted with cash prizes of Rs 10 thousand, 7 thousand and 5 thousand respectively along with certificates.

Five other participants were also encouraged with consolation prizes which include a cash component of Rs 1,000 each and certificates.

Later, a suicide prevention poster reading "Suicide: It is preventable" was also unveiled.