State joins Suicide Prevention Day observation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 10 2021:
As in other parts of the world, the 19th World Suicide Preven-tion Day was observed today at IMA Hall, Lamphepat under the theme "Creating Hope Through Action" .
The function which was held as a targeted intervention (TI) programme was jointly organized by National Mental Health Programme, NHM Manipur, Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur Branch and Manipur State Mission Health Authority.
Speaking as the chief guest, State Health Services Additional Director (MD) Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang pointed out that maximum suicide occurs in the age group of 15 to 30 years.
He appealed to the doctors and medical staff in the State Health Department to develop a toolkit involving ways to deal with disturbing state of mind and suicidal tendencies among school children and added that the public Health Department could help in implementing such plans and approaches.
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Citing WHO's report that more than 700,000 people commit suicide every year, the Additional Director observed that the tragedy caused by suicide across the globe is dreadful and can be minimised or prevented by collective efforts of all sections of society.
Stressing on the psychological status of people at the time of the current COVID pandemic, Sasheekumar also asked medical professionals in the State Health Department to work out the probable magnitude of the psychological problems that can be expected in the near future.
State Mental Health Authority Member Secretary Dr Kh Robindro who spoke as a resource person on the topic "Identifying of a suicidal person and approaching him/her" noted that many incidents of suicide occurred due to failure to identify suicidal tendencies of the individuals in time.
He said that commission of suicide generally takes place when others failed to understand their (victims) complaints or problems while maintaining that general people often take the claims made by persons who tend to commit suicide quite casually or lightly.
The psychiatrist went on to underscore the importance of treating people who survive from attempting suicide with great care and advising them properly to prevent from committing suicide in the future.
JNIMS Psychiatry Department Senior Resident Dr Janet Konthoujam also spoke as resource person on the topic "Suicide, an overview" .
Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur State Branch vice president and Head of JNIMS Psychiatry Department Professor Dr K Shantibala also attended the function as guest of honour.