Coalition attempted to combat suicides

GANGTOK, 09 June [IPR]: A coalition meeting on “suicide, a major health problem” was organized by National Mental Health Programme, National Health Mission under HC, HS and Family Welfare Department, here at Chintan Bhawan today.
The programme was chaired by Dr. PM Pradhan [Mission Director, NHM] and it was attended by Dr. CL Pradhan [Psychiatrist], Dr. S Sachdeva [Assistant Professor from Sikkim University], Tempo Bhutia  [Project Director SAATHI], Dr. Bela Cintury from Sikkim Senior Citizens Society, CMOs from all districts, Joint Director from HRDD, representatives from Religious Organizations, CBOs, NGOs, Rehabilitation Center, CRH Manipal, principal DIET, students and health officials.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. PM Pradhan urged the participants to contribute effectively towards prevention of suicide in the state. Stressing on the statement 'Human understanding is the most effective weapon against suicide' he informed about the scenario of mental health and suicide in Sikkim. He further said that suicide is higher amongst males in productive age than females in Sikkim and it could be controlled by reviewing society policy and procedure and also by educating the public about suicide.
Highlighting on the dramatic achievements of Kerala in reducing the suicide rate, Dr Pradhan expressed hope that Sikkim also can bring down its suicide rate by learning about the signs and symptoms, risk factors, its identification, etc. He also briefed on the various activities undertaken to address suicide in the state.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. CL Pradhan, pointed out social stigma as the main barrier towards the treatment of mental illness which has ten-fold risk of suicide. He informed that one suicide occurs in every 40 seconds in the world and in Sikkim maximum cases are reported due to hanging.
Highlighting the cause of suicides in teenagers he described emotional turbulence, stressful years in transition phase, self destructive emotion, disappointment, rejection, failure, losses, broken love affairs as the causes of suicidal death.
He added that suicide is preventable so people at different levels should contribute in controlling the occurrence of suicide.
The programme saw active interactive session with regard to preparation of effective strategy towards suicide prevention. Youth Consultant, SSACS, Chung Chung Bhutia also addressed the gathering on the agenda of life skills and its role in suicide prevention.