Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (PMD)

Mangaluru, Apr 6: Suicide, especially among youngsters, has been a pressing concern paticularly in the past few years, troubling families and the society at large. Several reasons have been associated to the act but help seems limited. Acknowledging the need to fill the gap, Susheg Charitable Trust in collaboration with the department of Social Work, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), and PG department of psychology, St Agnes College (Autonomous), will establish and operate Susheg Life Line - a suicide helpline in the city.

Susheg Life Line is a response to the growing need for individuals to talk to, when in distress. The core committee comprises Roshan Monteiro, Sr Marie Evelyn, and Lavina Noronha.

How it works

A central phone line will be made public and can be used by any person in distress.

The receptionist will take down the number of the caller and send it to a trained volunteer who will call the person immediately and provide the needed emotional support and make a referral for follow up.

Office staff and volunteers will maintain confidentiality throughout the process.

Resource Directory

A resource directory enlisting all resources available in the district will be prepared. Copies of which will be made available to all volunteers. NGOs or organizations that provide mental health/counselling services will be enlisted in directory.

Mental healthcare providers who would like to be included in the directory may e-mail Prof Roshan Monteiro at rosmonteiro.is@gmail.com.

Addressing the rising rate of suicide in recent years

In recent years the number of people attempting or successfully completing suicides has increased in the city which is home to a number of educational institutions attractting students from across the country. Mental health issues are on the rise among student population which warrants immediate attention.

One Suicide Every Four Minutes

The Registrar General of India, 2012 records that about 8 lac people commit suicide worldwide every year, of which 1.35 lac (17%) are from India. In more realistic terms, about 15 people resort to suicide every hour in India.

It has been estimated that suicide attempts are 10 times more than actual suicide in India. This displays just the tip of an iceberg, as accurate statistics are not available due to under-reporting because of social stigma.

Youngsters between the ages 15 and 29 are considered most vulnerable to suicide. India has one of the world’s highest rate of suicides in this age group accounting for 30-40 deaths per 1,00,000.

Hanging, poisoning, drowning, and self immolation are reportedly the most common methods used for suicide attempts. As data from National Crime Records Bureau shows, suicide is more prevalent in South India and the States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu top the list. NCRB also recorded
570 student deaths in the year 2014 in the state of Karnataka.

In 2013 alone, 2,471 suicides were attributed to ‘failure in examination.’

Pressure from parents to do well in the board examinations of grades 10 and 12, seems to be a common cause of concern. The scores attained in these examinations determine the student's scope for higher education and employment. Educational institutions are also involved in the rat-race of obtaining 100% results and in continuing their track record which has a direct impact on students. Suicide seems like an easy way out from the pressure to excel.

Susheg Life line is a humble attempt to respond to this growing need for someone to talk to in times of distress.

How You Can Help

Volunteer - If you would like to serve as a lifeline volunteer, please contact the references at the end. All you need to have is a compassionate heart and good listening skills. Those interested may contact Dr Lavina Noronha at lavnoronha@hotmail.com.

Fluency in Kannada, English, Malayalam and Hindi is required.

Candidates will be screened for mental health issues and will be trained by a team of professionals free of cost. After successful training, they will be certified as a 'life line volunteer'. After the training, the volunteer can sign up for a weekly shift (either 8 hours or 4 hours) and be available to take the calls.

Cell phones will be provided to the volunteers by the Life Line.

Donor - Those who wish to contribute to the cause may do so in cash or kind.

For more information, contact anyone from Susheg Life Line core committee:

Roshan Monteiro: 8073852946 - rosmonteiro.is.@gmail.com
Dr Lavina Noronha: 9449830186 - lavnoronha@hotmail.com
Sr Marie Evelyn AC: 9449105344 - marieevelynac@gmail.com

E mail: susheglifeline@gmail.com

Susheg LifeLine services will be operate from Sparsha Clinic, opp Radha Medicals, Bendorewell, Mangaluru - 575 002

A public brain storming session for Susheg Life Line will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 5 pm at St Agnes College PG Department Auditorium. Volunteer application forms will be made available at a meeting.