From Our Correspondent
TURA, Sep 10: North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills observed World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday, with an emphasis on promoting mental well-being, particularly among the youths.
In North Garo Hills, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) organised a programme at RMSA Secondary School, to raise awareness about suicide prevention, mental health and the importance of community support in preventing suicide.
During the programme, District Nodal Officer of the DMHP, Dr. Rezia Sangma, spoke on the theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, accompanied by the call to action ‘Start the Conversation’.
She emphasised the need to create a culture of openness to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and to encourage those struggling to seek help.
Dr. Sangma also urged the community to identify individuals at risk of suicide and guide them toward professional support. She highlighted the services offered by the DMHP, encouraging anyone facing mental health challenges to seek assistance.
Earlier, a cycle rally was held as part of the observance, which was participated by the A’we Pedallers Club Resubelpara. The cycle rally was aimed at raising awareness about suicide prevention.
In Ampati, South West Garo Hills, the DMHP held an event at the Chengkompara Adolescent Health Resource Centre under the theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.
The programme was attended by Superintendent of Police, Vikash Kumar, as the chief guest, who spoke about the growing impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young people.
While Purakhasia BDO, Dr. AK Marak, stressed the urgency of suicide prevention and the need for mental health education at the grassroots level, Medical Superintendent of Ampati Civil Hospital, Dr. Denisha Momin, spoke about the underlying causes of mental illness and their connection to rising suicide rates.
Others who were part of the programme include district health officials, as well as students and teachers from local schools.
On the occasion, winners of various competitions such as extempore speeches, roleplays, poster-making, and musical chairs, organised as part of the week-long Suicide Prevention Week, were awarded.
Poster competition raises awareness
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 10: As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Department of Psychiatry and the Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) Cell at North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, organised a poster competition for the nursing staff and students, raising awareness about suicide prevention and the need to reduce the stigma surrounding it.
Thematised on ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ with a call to action to ‘Start the Conversation’, the event was participated by 45 people, whose creative posters highlighted key information on recognising early signs of suicidal ideation, offering help to those in need, and preventing suicide by seeking professional support and treating mental health issues.
The posters, along with informational banners, were displayed in the hospital foyer to educate the public on the importance of suicide prevention.
