- In Collaboration with NIMHR
Bhopal: The Bhopal School of Social Sciences (BSSS) commemorated World Suicide Prevention Day with a significant event themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” On September 10, 2024. The event was organized by the Department of Social Work in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR), Sehore, and focused on spreading awareness about suicide prevention, mental health, and the importance of open dialogue around these sensitive issues. The session included insightful discussions on suicide prevention and mental health. Dr. Sharad Tiwari, Deputy Director, National Health Mission, Mental Health Division, MP, demonstrated the MANNHIT App, a groundbreaking tool for self-assessment and counseling. He encouraged participants to download the app, which provides self-assessment tests, awareness videos, and materials to debunk mental health myths. Dr. Tiwari stressed that suicide is preventable, but addressing the significant treatment gap of 70-80% is crucial to reducing suicidal behaviors.
Additionally, Dr. Narendra Kumar, Deputy registrar, NIMHR Sehore, discussed the mandatory need to address issues related to suicide and commended BSSS for providing a platform to raise awareness among students about World Suicide Prevention Day. The event took an emotional turn when Ms. Tina Malhotra shared a heartfelt personal story about her father’s suicide at the age of 90. Her story struck a chord with the audience as she highlighted the importance of recognizing red flags in individuals showing signs of suicidal ideation. She urged everyone to take mental illness seriously, noting that mental health is just as important as physical health. The keynote speaker of the event, Dr. Satyakant Trivedi, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Member of the Suicide Prevention Task Force, addressed the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. He presented alarming statistics, revealing that 480 people die by suicide every day and that 1 lakh people commit suicide annually.
