‘Engage In Some Constructive Activity To Keep Suicidal Thoughts At Bay’

Bhubaneswar: “Suicides are not restricted to any particular section of the society. Everyone has a role to play to prevent suicides. It is important to raise an alarm. If you find someone having suicidal tendencies, you must talk to him or her,” said Director General of Police (DGP) R P Sharma at an awareness campaign on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day here on Monday.

Sharing his experiences, the DGP said it is unfortunate for the society to lose to suicides young people, who could otherwise have become worthy citizens.

Associate Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar B R Mishra highlighted the reasons for suicides and discussed ways to face difficulties in life with confidence and refrain from taking such extreme steps. He said an individual talking or writing about death, getting addicted to alcohol or drugs, seeking weapons or objects to terminate life and acting restless was showing suicidal tendencies. “You must intervene and talk to him or her,” he added.

Mishra stressed the need to vent out emotions, while facing difficult situations in life. “Do not isolate yourself at the time of crisis. You must wait for good times to come. It is better to engage in constructive activity to keep suicidal thoughts at bay,” he noted.

Dean of students’ affairs at NISER Pranay Swain opined that over-dependence on gadgets was a major reason for the increasing cases of suicides. “We do not talk to each other. We are engrossed in the virtual world. Thus, there is detachment and alienation. Half of your problems can be solved only by sharing your thoughts with someone else,” he said.

Deputy Resident Editor of The New Indian Express (TNIE) Siba Mohanty urged Odisha Police to set up a helpline to help families or individuals who are in distress and vulnerable to committing suicide.

Students from various institutes, including Gandhi Institute for Technological Advancement, KIIT University, Maharishi College of Natural Law and NISER, attended the event, organised by TNIE and city-based wellness centre Manam Foundation.

Students of Odisha Dance Academy enthralled the audience with an Odissi dance drama based on the poetry of Sylvia Path. Odissi exponent Aruna Mohanty choreographed the act, which sent a strong message against suicide.

A group of students from KIIT University presented a contemporary dance set to Bollywood songs.

Students of SAI Dance World stole the show as they danced to raise awareness against suicide.