World Suicide Prevention Day – 2019 “Working together to Prevent Suicide”

Since two consecutive years, the theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is “Working together to Prevent Suicide”, which highlights that everyone has a role to play in the prevention of suicide. A series of activities were conducted by Department of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, MCON to sensitise the general public and youth regarding causes, myths and prevention of suicide.
A health awareness program through a Street Play on “Prevention of Suicide” was organised by the Department and enacted by 2nd year PBB.Sc Nursing students on 9th September, 2019 near Tiger Circle at 10.00 am. Around 60 people, including the auto drivers and the general public watched the street play. Mrs. Asha Nayak, Assistant Professor, MCON welcomed the audience for the street play and introduced the theme of WSPD – 2019.

To educate the high-risk group, that is youth, a health awareness programme, through a role play by 2nd year PBB.Sc Nursing students was conducted at Manipal Junior College, Manipal on 9th September 2019 at 3:00 pm. A total of 165 Pre-University students along with their teachers attended this program. Mr. Umapathi, Lecturer, MJC welcomed the gathering, and Mrs. Flavia Noronha, Lecturer, MCON, introduced the theme of the day.

On 10th September.2019, a workshop on “Prevention of Self-harm” was organised by Department of Student Affairs, (DSA) MAHE in association with Department of Psychiatric Nursing, MCON, MAHE, for the students of MAHE. Dr. Geetha Maiya, Director, DSA, welcomed the Chief Guest Dr. Poornima Baliga, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Faculty of Health Sciences) and the Guest of Honour Dr. Narayan Sabhahith, Registrar, MAHE. Dr. Poornima Baliga spoke on the incidence of suicide cases globally (11.4%) with Sikkim (37%) having three times the global average cases of suicide. She also emphasised the importance of expressing bottled feelings and the need to recognise people around us who show early warning signs. Dr. Tessy Treesa Jose, Professor and HoD, Psychiatric Nursing, MCON, gave an overview of the workshop and introduced the theme for WSPD – 2019.

Forty-three students from various institutions of MAHE attended the workshop and learnt about the causes, myths and realities, assessment, management of self-harm and innovative relaxation techniques. Eminent speakers, Dr. Samir Praharaj, Professor & HoD, Mr. Praveen Jain, Assist. Professor, Psychiatry Dept, KMC, Mr.Renjulal, Asst. Professor, MCON and Dr. Sharmila, Life Coach and Medical Writer delivered the sessions for the day. Dr. Binil V, Asst. Professor, MCON delivered the vote of thanks.
Mrs. Asha K Nayak and Mrs. Savitha, Asst. Professors, MCON, gave a health talk show on Muktha television regarding “Suicide: Causes and Prevention”. The show was telecasted on 10.09.2019 at 3:00 pm.
To conclude, an overall coordinated effort was made to generate awareness and sensitise the general public, pre-university students and MAHE students regarding prevention of suicide.