New Delhi: On World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), Dr Vinay Aggarwal, former President, IMA made an impassioned appeal to members of society at large to not leave people who might seem headed to precipice of suicide alone. Dr Aggarwal struck a chord in the audience in IMA headquarters by his touching words. He said persons showing symptoms of suicidal tendencies need friends who can talk to them and stop them from going forward in the track of suicide, who can warm the cockles of their sinking hearts by comforting words.
Chocking with emotions, Dr Aggarwal, also Chairman and Managing Director, Pushpanjali Medical centre, said, ‘ lift the spirit of someone who is crestfallen by being his one joker friend who tickles the bones of his pal by his nonsensical banters and makes him break into the peals of laughter, one to whom he can confide his angst and innards of his heart. Asmita Theatre group’s street play effectively portrayed poignancy of the subject.
As suicidal deaths are escalating by the day in India, many organizations have joined hands to change the narrative around it on World Suicide Prevention Day. Pushpanjali Medical Centre, STHIR- The Mind’s Clinic, RAHEE, Apni Digital Diary and IMA East Delhi Branch together organized a Mental Health Awareness Program. The Goal of coming together of these organizations is to spread awareness about mental health issues and break the stigma attached to it in our society. As suicides are happening unabated, experts stressed the point that it is high time that we start openly talking about the causes and prevention. An informative panel discussion on the topic of “Suicide Prevention- Change the Narrative” with Dr. Rajesh Sagar (AIIMS, New Delhi), Mrs. Jyotsna Bhardraj (Psychologist), Dr. Mukesh Bhatia (Bhatia Coaching Classes), Mr Vivek Shukla (Journalist) shed light on the different situations that abet suicidal tendencies and recommended ways to make a difference. Mr Anuj Pathak (Social Worker) too participated in the panel discussion. Mr. MM Sharma, Former Deputy Director, Education also shared his views on the importance of mental health. The Panel discussion consisted of topics like, signs one can observe in an individual who has suicidal tendencies, Causes of mental health illnesses, stigmas attached to mental health in our society particularly suicide and how Health professionals, parents, family, friends, educators, media and other sections of society can contribute in the prevention of suicide and many more.
Renowned psychotherapist Rashmi Dhuria of STHIR- The Mind’s Clinic fame said suicide is preventable provided we break the culture of silence and stigma around mental illness. She said there is urgent need to prioritize mental health for evidence based treatment. She said that they intend to take this campaign far and wide across India. We also intend to organize workshops to formulate a practical tool kit for addressing such prevalent issues and much more. Dr. Druhin Grover, Mr. Nitin Anandi Lal, Ms. Poonam Gaur, Mr. Anuj Raj Pathak and Ms. Geetanjali Arora also participated in the event.
There is constant rise in the number of suicide in India. National crime Records Bureao (NCRB) released data on suicidal deaths in India in august 2022. A total of 1,64,033 suicides were reported in the country in 2021., which is an increase of 7.2% in comparison with the previous year, 2021.Thus, 1,71,000 suicides were reported in 2022. (highest ever). A majority of suicides were reported in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, MP, WB and Karnataka. In terms of rates, Andaman and Nicobar Islands reported the highest suicides. (39.7%). Male: Female Ratio = 72.5: 27.4 in year 2021. The major cause is unemployment and financial downslide and marriage related issues. The Total of 13,000 students on average in a year (highest till now) die by suicide and the major cause has been Academic failure and relationship issues.
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