Suicide rate in the country is higher than the death rate due to mental illness and a lack of socialization, as most people spend their leisure time with electronic gadgets and engage in virtual socialization, said mental health activist Dr RK Lenin.
Speaking as a resource person on Monday during a one-day media interaction programme at the Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul in Imphal, Lenin emphasized the importance of real-world social interactions for maintaining mental health.
The programme was jointly organized by Share and Care (SAC), Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri, Imphal, and the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) in connection with the observance of “World Suicide Prevention Day, 2024”and the Golden Jubilee celebration of AMWJU.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day was observed under the theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.
Lenin explained that cases of suicide are mainly caused by mental illness and depression. He pointed out that the suicide rate is higher among adolescents compared to adults. In the current scenario, findings reveal that many adolescents commit suicide due to academic pressure and the pursuit of higher marks. “Marks are just numbers,” Lenin said, adding that students should focus on understanding what they are learning, rather than obsessing over getting higher marks.
Acknowledging this issue, the grading system was introduced. He added that the increasing rate of suicide is also linked to a lack of real social contacts within society.
Lenin also highlighted that newly married couples are among those affected by societal pressures, which often leads to suicide after they fail to cope with the expectations that come with starting a new life together.
He advised people to engage in real-world social interactions rather than relying on virtual contacts to maintain healthy mental health.
President of AMWJU, Bijoy Kakchingtabam, also attended the function as the chairperson.
