Media release
Mangaluru, Sep 11: In a major initiative to combat suicide and reduce stigma, the Decennial Memorial Hall at Father Muller Medical College in Mangaluru was the venue for a high-profile observance of "World Suicide Prevention Day" on Wednesday, September 11.
The event, spearheaded by a coalition including the District Legal Services Authority, Dakshina Kannada District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, District Health and Family Welfare Department, and the District Mental Health Programme, alongside Father Muller Medical College and Mangalore University’s National Service Scheme, aimed to shine a spotlight on critical mental health issues.
Bringing together a diverse group of organisations and institutions, the observance focused on raising awareness and providing resources to support those affected by mental health challenges. The event sought to foster open dialogue within the community, enhance understanding of suicide prevention strategies, and encourage a supportive environment for mental health discussions.
Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor, professor and head of the Department of Psychiatry, welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day's discussions, emphasising the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. The hall was filled with faculty members and NSS students from various colleges in Mangaluru, all gathered to reflect, show support, and increase awareness.
The event was inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by an address from Shobha B G, senior civil judge, who urged the youth to openly discuss mental health issues and spread awareness, echoing the theme of the event.
Dr H R Thimmaiah, district health and family welfare officer, gave a moving keynote address, stressing the importance of living positively and making one's life impactful. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of FMCI, delivered the presidential address, highlighting suicide as a social evil and urging people to reach out to counselors, teachers, and friends for support.
The programme also featured the prize distribution for a Suicide Prevention Quote competition, with winners Maria Rebello (Final Year MBBS) and Ann Maria Aneesh (third Year MBBS) receiving recognition for their contributions.
The event was also attended by dignitaries including Dr Sudarshan, DMHP programme officer, and Dr Prajakta V Rao, psychiatrist, DMHP, Mangaluru. The event was compered by Dr Vinitha D'Souza and Dr Vaishnavi Ballal. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Rahul Rao, assistant professor of Psychiatry, FMMC.
Dr Sidharth Shetty, professor and unit head, Department of Psychiatry, FMMC, addressed epidemiology and risk factors for suicide, while Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor focused on suicide prevention strategies after the inaugural session.
Suicide remains a stigmatised issue that isolates individuals in distress. By breaking the silence, creating awareness, and offering support, we can help dismantle this stigma, opening doors for those in need to seek help.