Shillong, Sep 19: A suicide prevention programme was organised at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Ampanggre by the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), South Garo Hills.
The interactive session busted common myths about suicide, taught students to recognise warning signs, and helped them build their own Mental Health Toolkit with healthy coping strategies for stress and difficult emotions.
A highlight was the ‘Hope Tree’ — where students pinned colourful leaves carrying messages of positivity, encouragement and hope, a reminder that hope grows when we support one another.
The Health Department said behind every statistic is a life that mattered, noting that substance abuse accounts for 7.6 per cent of suicides and often hides deep emotional distress. It urged people to break the silence around mental health, offer non-judgmental support, and seek timely help. Those in distress can call Tele-MANAS toll-free at 14410 or 1800-891-4416 for free, confidential counselling.
