KOCHI: A little help may change the course of life for someone. That was the thrust of awareness campaigns and seminars organised on World Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday. ‘Take a Minute, Change a Life’ was the theme of this year’s observance.
It is important to listen to people, according to mental health experts. Those who had attempted suicide or taken the extreme step would have at some point of time tried to communicate their problems, they added.
Some of the tell-tale statements could be, “Everyone would be better off without me”; “There is no reason for me to live”; “You all won’t have to worry about me anymore”; “I’ll show you all”, or any such self-deprecating or resigned statement.
Downplaying myths surrounding suicides, experts say such thoughts occur to most people at some point of time.
However, communication gives them a chance to open up, thereby preventing suicides. Often, an attempt to take own life is a desperate step in the face of severe distress.
These were some major issues stressed by the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists, Kerala Region, in a handout.
Chaitram, a suicide prevention organisation of the Ernakulam Karayogam, in association with Kochi Time Bank, took out a rally on Sunday from Goshree bridge to Rainbow bridge. P. Vijayan, Inspector General, Ernakulam Range, spoke on the occasion. He also released a badge on Suicide Prevention Day. A candle-light procession was also held later from TDM Hall to Gandhi Circle and back. K.J. Sohan, councillor, lighted the lamps for the procession.
Meanwhile, Chaitram will organise awareness campaigns across the district over the next few days as part of a week-long programme.
Students of St. Teresa’s College also held a demonstration at Marine Drive walkway on suicide prevention. Maithri, a non-government organisation (NGO), conducted a seminar on the controversial Blue whale challenge. Speakers explained the kind of mindset that gets attracted to such games.
