Stress On Stigma Regarding Mental Health At KIMS’ World Suicide Prevention Day

KIMS Observes World Suicide Prevention Day

Bhubaneswar: Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) observed World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness on this important issue and stress on the importance of recognising suicidal tendencies and reducing the stigma attached to mental health challenges.

The event, organised by the Psychiatry department, was themed ‘Combating Stigma: Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.

Several key topics were discussed, with experts explaining signs of suicidal tendencies which can include noticeable changes in mood, social withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness, alterations in eating or sleeping habits, and increased use of alcohol or drugs.

Such symptoms, when observed in individuals, could be early warning signs that require immediate attention.

Dr R N Samanta, Senior Advisor at KIMS, urged parents to play a more cooperative and supportive role in their children’s lives to help prevent suicides.

Dr R C Das, Medical Superintendent of KIMS, highlighted the importance of strengthening campus safety nets to ensure a zero-suicide environment.

Experts also delved into risk factors that increase the likelihood of suicide, which included academic pressure, mental health conditions, past trauma or abuse, lack of social support, and substance misuse. These factors often place individuals, especially students, in vulnerable positions, and addressing them is crucial for prevention efforts.

As for safety measures, doctors emphasised the importance of maintaining strong social connections with friends and family, seeking professional help when needed, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and engaging in positive activities.

Suggesting strategies which could help individuals having suicidal thoughts, doctors recommended they can talk to someone they trust, putting time between their thoughts and actions to reconsider, ensuring their home is safe by removing dangerous items and avoiding the use of drugs or alcohol, which can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness.

A dedicated Suicide Prevention Helpline for students and families was launched on the occasion.

Several competitions, like poster and elocution contests, were organised to engage students in spreading awareness.

Over 26,000 students have died by suicide across India over the last three years.

KIMS Associate Dean and Vice Principal Dr (Prof.) Shubhransu Patro underscored the critical role healthcare professionals play in this big challenge. He said mental health is as important as physical health, and healthcare providers must ensure no one feels alone or without hope.

Dr Sudipta Kumar Das, Head of Psychiatry department, identified hopelessness as the single-most important factor in determining whether someone may attempt suicide, further emphasizing that suicide is not just a mental health issue, but also a social and cultural problem.

Dr Jayaprakash Russell Ravan, professor in Psychiatry department, added that once someone has firmly decided to commit suicide, it can be difficult to intervene, underscoring the complexity of the issue.

Other speakers included assistant professor Jigyansa Ipsita Pattnaik and associate professor Dr Pranab Mahapatra.