Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 30: Suicide prevention remains a universal challenge. Every year, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages. It is responsible for over 800,000 deaths, which equate to one suicide every 40 seconds. For every suicide, 25 people attempt suicide and many more have serious thoughts of suicide.

In recent years, the number of people attempting or completing suicide has increased in the city of Mangaluru, which is a growing city, home for several educational institutions that attract students from all over the country.

In a survey conducted in the city, on mental health and well-being of students between the ages of 14-25 years in Mangaluru, about 5 percent of students surveyed have a history of past suicide attempt and a significant number (6.79%) of students have suicidal ideation.

Suicide occurs as a result of multiple factors – mental illness, alcohol and other drug use, family issues, societal problems and pressures, academic challenges and failures and personal losses and stress. Handling suicide requires a multilevel and combined approach to all these issues at hand.

Preventing suicide is often possible and each person is a key player in its prevention. We can make a difference - As a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour. Joining together is critical to prevent suicide. Preventing suicide requires the efforts of many. We can raise awareness about the issue, educate oneself and others about the causes of suicide and warning signs for suicide, show compassion and care for those in distress in the community, question the stigma associated with suicide, suicidal behaviour and mental health problems and share one's own experiences.

For the above reasons, quite rightly so, the theme for suicide prevention day this year is, 'Working together to prevent suicide'

The Centre for Community Mental Health in association with the department of Psychiatry, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE University (Deemed to be) and in partnership with various non-governmental organizations is organizing 'Suicide awareness and prevention rally' in the city of Mangaluru.

This will be a multi-date multiple location event which will attempt to raise awareness about the seriousness of suicide and discuss prevention strategies among the general public.

As part of the event, there will be a bicycle rally led by the Mangalore Bicycle Club which will begin on Sunday October 6 at 7.00 am from IMA house, behind Milagres Church, Attavar and culminate at St Aloysius College grounds, Light House Hill Road, Kodialbail.

There will also be a walkathon led by Susheg Lifeline (a 24×7 Suicide Prevention Helpline), part of Susheg Charitable Trust which will begin at St Agnes College, Bendore on Sunday October 6 at 7.00 am and culminate at St Aloysius College grounds, Light House Hill Road, Kodialbail.

There will also be a stage programme at Eric Mathias Hall, Maffei Centre for postgraduate studies, St Aloysius College, at 8 am on Sunday October 6 which will have various leaders and policymakers as guests.

The following guests will be part of the stage programme:

Vedavyasa Kamath, MLA, Mangaluru south constituency
U T Khader, MLA, Mangaluru constituency
Dr P S Harsha, IPS, commissioner of police, Mangaluru
Dr A Jagadish, consultant psychiatrist, Abhaya Hospital. President – IPSSZB
Gurukiran, singer and music director
Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ, principal, St Aloysius College

In addition to the above programme there will be public talks at various schools and colleges and to the Mangalore city police and other people involved who are first responders to crisis and emergencies.

One of our major sponsors, Diya systems will assist in producing a web portal for suicide helpline which will help us reach more people in distress and give them various options of seeking help and to come out of the crisis.

The various organizations involved in the programme are:

Department of Psychiatry, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University (Deemed to be)
Mangalore Bicycle Club
United Bikers Mangalore
Susheg Lifeline (a 24×7 Suicide Prevention Helpline), part of Susheg Charitable Trust
St Agnes College
St Aloysius College
Roshni Nilaya – School of Social Work
Indian Medical Association
Association of Medical Consultants
Rotary Club of Mangalore Midtown

The programme sponsors are:

Nitte University (Deemed to be)
Diya Systems, Mangaluru

S L Shet – Jewellers and Diamond House, a donor who supports the noble cause.

Daijiworld and RedFM are the media partners and the message of suicide awareness and prevention will be highlighted through radio and TV programmes highlighting the issue at hand.