Children who have experienced abuse may develop suicidal tendencies as they grow older.
This was stated by San-Ker Director, Dr. S Syiem during a public discussion held to observe World Suicide Prevention Day in Byndihati today.
He said that people who attempt to kill themselves are in need of help and one must have the courage to reach out to such people in order to encourage them to fight the battles of life head on.
Dr. Syiem also spoke about unfortunate incidents in the world where old people commit suicide either because they are neglected by their children or as a result of their inability to work on account of advancing age.
Principal, Don Bosco College, Byndihati, Fr. George S Lyngkhoi in his address stated that people who attempt to kill themselves are those who are suffering physically, mentally and psychologically and one has to understand that such people require care and counselling, he further said even as he thanked SAN-KER for organizing the program which is a platform for awareness creation and to put the message across that suicide is preventable.
District Medical and Health Officer, Dr D. Shylla in his speech talked about mental illness and its effect on society and impressed upon the gathering that the illness can be prevented through the support of the community particularly family members of the affected persons.
The inaugural programme was followed by a group discussion led by Dr. Shylla while Isabella Shadap, Clinical Psychologist, summed up the outcome of the group discussion on suicide prevention.
Earlier in the day, a cycle rally was held, participated by residents of the district, including children.
