AMPATI, Sep 10: The District Mental Health Programme in South West Garo Hills has launched a mental health helpline on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day at Zikzak Multi Facility Centre on Friday.
The 24×7 Helpline (9362749485), which will be operational throughout the district, is aimed at preventing and minimising suicide rate within the district.
In his address as the chief guest, South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ramakrishna Ch. Chitturi, appealed to the public to reach out to the counsellors through the helpline number whenever necessary and also be watchful citizens.
He stressed that it is the collective effort of everyone and not just the government machineries that would help reduce suicide rates.
Meanwhile, Additional Superintendent of Police, South West Garo Hills, Rupam R Marak, who was addressing as the district resource person, said that there are cases where youths die by suicide when they are not given mobile phones by their parents.
Making a reference to such incidents, Marak urged one and all to monitor their children’s activities.
District Nodal Officer of District Mental Health Programme, Dr Matgrik Sangma, on the other hand, suggested people to not neglect signs of suicidal tendency of any of their family members. Informing that the ones with suicidal thoughts try to give signs by either expressing verbally or through social media posts, etc, he said that suicide bids can be averted if attention is accorded to such signs.
As per data, in 2020, the number of suicide cases by hanging in Zikzak and Betasing areas is about 22 people. In 2021 till date, the number of suicide cases is 13 in the district, wherein the age group of the deceased ranges from 18 years to 45 years and above.
