Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 11 September 2024
Suicide remains a critical public health issue, claiming over 700,000 lives annually worldwide. The devastating ripple effects of each suicide extend far beyond the immediate tragedy, impacting individuals, families, and communities at large. Recognising the need for urgent action, the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2024 to 2026 has been set as ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide,’ with a strong call to action: ‘Start the Conversation.’
This theme aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding suicide and encourage open discussions as a preventive measure. It underscores the importance of shifting from a culture of silence and shame to one of understanding, empathy, and support. The goal is to transform how society perceives this complex issue, emphasizing that every conversation, no matter how small, can contribute to a more supportive and informed community.
As part of this global movement, the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) under the State Health Society of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has initiated a series of awareness campaigns across various schools and colleges in the region. These campaigns, which commenced on September 10 and will continue until September 16, 2024, are designed to educate students about suicide prevention, mental health care, and the importance of seeking help.
On the first day of the campaign, awareness activities were conducted at Crescent Public School in Wimberlygunj, Carmel Senior Secondary School in Phoenix Bay, and Andaman College in Nayagaon. The sessions focused on key topics such as identifying warning signs of suicide, developing coping mechanisms for mental health challenges, and highlighting available support resources, including the Tele-MANAS helpline (14416).
At Andaman College, the awareness activities were led by Dr. Satyajit Halder, Joint Secretary of NMHP, Dr. Anand Lingeswaran, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at ANIIMS, and Ms. Hemlatha, Clinical Psychologist at NMHP. They engaged students in discussions about mental health, shared personal stories of hope and resilience, and provided valuable information on available support systems.
Similarly, Ms. Shymali Singh, Clinical Psychologist at Tele-MANAS, conducted a session at Crescent Public School, while Ms. Nidhi Prakash, also a Clinical Psychologist at Tele-MANAS, led the initiative at Carmel Senior Secondary School. These sessions aimed to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate mental health challenges and seek help when necessary.
By starting conversations about suicide and mental health, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are taking significant steps toward building a society where everyone feels supported and understood, ultimately contributing to the global effort to prevent suicides.