To address mental health and raise awareness on suicide prevention, the Kota Police Department along with Allen Career Institute has organised an awareness programme on “World Suicide Prevention Day”. The programme themed “Creating Hope Through Action” was held on September 10 to shed light on the importance of mental health and strategies to reduce suicide rates, particularly among students, stated the official press release.
Inspector General Prasanna Kumar Khamesra of Kota Police said all police stations are equipped to identify students experiencing distress, promptly referring their cases to the dedicated Student Cell. This specialised unit comprises a team of skilled psychiatrists, senior medical officers, counselors, and doctors, providing essential support, counseling, and medical assistance.
Also read| Rising Student Suicides in Kota Underline Need for Better Prevention Mechanism
“We have consistently prioritised the mental well-being of our students. A student’s journey involves numerous stakeholders, including parents, peers, teachers, local authorities, and hostel staff,” said Naveen Maheshwari, Director, Allen Career Institute. “We have continuously worked towards establishing meaningful connections with all these stakeholders to support the mental well-being of our students,” he added.
“Engaging in social activities is crucial for students, especially in a competitive environment where loneliness can lead to negative thoughts. By participating in programs like the Students Cell initiated by SP Kota Sharad Chaudhary, supported by the Rajasthan government and police, we can collectively address this pressing issue,” he said.
“It is essential that students participate actively in society and connect with their families and people around them. I would like to tell students that talking to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor is not a bad thing. You should meet them and share your thoughts,” said Dr Nimesh G Desai, Former Director of the Institute of Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences.
“Recognising and addressing issues promptly is paramount. Suicide is a global concern, occurring every 40 seconds. The World Health Organization underscores that it’s a mental health issue in 99 per cent of cases, often overlooked. Understanding shifts in students’ behavior is crucial; those contemplating suicide often leave subtle signs. Detecting changes in someone’s routine and seeking timely psychological intervention is the key to preventing such tragedies”, said psychiatrist Dr ML Agarwal.
If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)
Comments
0 comment