Media Release
Udupi, Sep 12: The counselling cell, Aasare, of Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM), Bantakal, observed the World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 , with an awareness talk by Dr Deepak Mallya, psychiatrist, Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi, for their students and faculty members at the institute.
The World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the international association for suicide prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) and is observed on September 10 every year.
The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 to 2026 is 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide' with the call to action – 'Start the Conversation'. This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and to start encouraging people to have open conversation. We need to move from a culture of silence and stigma to one of understanding, openness and support to prevent suicides.
Starting off with statistics of suicides till the year 2019 by WHO and NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau), Dr Deepak Mallya, first created awareness of the number of people across the globe(28 Lacs people as per WHO 2019 figures) and India (nearly 1.4 lac people) who commit suicide by different means.
He spoke of various myths and facts related to suicide, the causes associated with students attempting suicide, like anger, stress, aggression, shame, guilt, depression along with other biological, neurochemical and environmental factors like bullying, isolation, loss of loved ones, relationship issues, etc.
He also discussed various risk factors along with warning signs shown by victims much in advance through various actions, which should be paid attention to as a cry for help.
Sharing some protective factors and strategies to prevent suicide, Dr Mallya mentioned that these protective factors help to reduce negative thoughts and sense of loneliness, and offers a sense of support to help students to overcome overwhelming feelings and distress.
The talk helped overall, to understand that by initiating these vital conversations, one can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better a culture of support.