“There is a culture of silence that surrounds those who attempt suicide and the victims of suicide loss. There is rarely any safe space for discussion regarding the topic as it is tabooed. It is necessary to understand that every voice matters and various stakeholders, including students, teachers, the judiciary, non-governmental organisations and educational institutions need to communicate with empathy and purpose,” said Nandini Murali, Director of SPEAK.
She was addressing students of Social Works department at Lady Doak College here on Monday at an awareness programme conducted to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The speakers raised concern over rise in number of suicides and psychological turbulence experienced by the vulnerable.
Rohini Sridhar, Chief Operating Officer, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, said, “There is a need to teach ourselves to care. In the current day and age, we are more connected than ever through social networking media. However, we barely have conversation and do not meet face-to-face. We must rid ourselves of judgement and encourage discussions regarding suicide to prevent it,” she said.
Those aged between 15 and 30 are most likely to be affected by public opinion. They must find ways to communicate and reach out,” she said.
C. Ramasubramanian, Founder, M.S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation, said, “Depression, a serious psychological problem, is expected to affect 80% of the people in the country. Present times present a gloomy future for mental health. Many of my patients are aged between 12 and 18. Suicide is a community problem. With timely intervention and care, it is preventable,” he said.
Christianna Singh, Principal, Lady Doak College, provided data on rising rate of suicides in the country.
D. Pazhani, Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Madurai Range, who addressed students at Sri Meenakshi Government Arts College, quoted real life examples of those who overcame negativity and familial limitations to turn into achievers. He stressed the need for emotional sensitivity and urged the students to seek help in case of mental health issues.
Persons in need of counselling can contact the State Health Department’s round-the-clock helpline 104. Chennai-based Sneha’s suicide prevention centre can be contacted at 044 24640050.