The office of the District Mental & Health Programme (DM&HP), South West Khasi Hills district in collaboration with the Adolescence Health Clinic today observed the World Suicide Prevention Day at Mawkyrwat.
The programme was held on the theme “Creating Hope through Action”. Students from seven schools within the district attended the programme
The resource persons at the programme were Dr. B. Marweiñ, Assistant Professor, Vice-Principal and HOD of education Department, Sngap Syiem College, Adolescence Health Counsellor, W. Lyngkhoi and the staff of the district mental health programme.
Marwein in her speech explained on the types of cases in suicides which include completed suicide, attempted suicide and suicidal ideation. She stated that we need to prevent suicide ideation which is an illness. She shared the experiences she had with people having mental health problems and how they are stigmatised and discriminated. She said that academic pressure can also be the cause of suicide as most students fall into depression due to the pressure from the family and also the institution. She encourages the students to practice healthy habit and positive outlook towards life and also to help others who are having mental health issues instead of stigmatising them.
Clinical Psychologist, A. Lyngkhei elucidated on the reasons for suicide and said that 1 in 8 person are going through mental health issues. She cited an example that students or children sometimes blackmail their parents to get something from them which is one of the behaviour which we called students impulse control disorder to parents. She also educated the students on mental illness and how to strengthen prevention.
Adolescent Counsellor, W. Lyngkhoi spoke on availability of counselling service for the adolescent age group at Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital while Psychiatric Nurse, B. Snaitang talked about creating hope through action and raising awareness about suicide prevention and reducing the stigma around suicide and Psychiatric Social Worker, W.L.Nontnger Marweiñ explained on myths and facts of suicide.
