The National Mental Health Programme, National Health Mission in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (state branch) and Indian Psychiatric Society jointly observed World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 at Indian Medical Association (IMA) hall at Lamphelpat, Imphal on Sunday, under the theme, "Creating Hope Through Action".
Addressing the event, Dr Lenin (Psychiatrist) said, “Suicide is not a mental illness” and added that it is preventable with timely intervention.
Those who attempt to end their lives are due to lack of coping with strategies, the doctor said, adding that in context to Manipur, most cases of suicide are due to family or social issues.
He highlighted that suicide prevention programmes in India aim to reduce suicide mortality by 10% in the country by 2030. The overall vision of this strategy is to create a society where people value their lives and are supported when they are in need, the doctor said.
He appealed to people to understand the person who always says negative things about life and to help them cope with the realities of life.
State Mission director, Somorjit Ningombam observed that last year, 18 percent of suicide cases were youngsters adding that there were officially 28 suicide cases in Manipur last year of which 5 were students.
He said, suicide can be prevented if one intervenes on time. Creating hope through action is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and it aims at instilling confidence and light in all of us. We can address people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is a hope that we care and want to support them, he said.
In connection with the observation day, a state level extempore speech competition was also conducted.
The observation was attended by Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur, president K Shantibala Devi and officials of medical association.
Also Read: World Suicide Prevention Day 2023: Creating Hope Through Action
