State observes World Suicide Prevention Day

OSR/Correspondent
IMPHAL, Sep 10:  In light of World Suicide Prevention Day, DHS Tengnoupal organised a District Mental Health program  under the theme 'Working together to prevent suicide'.
The program was held at the Primary Health Centre, Tengnoupal.
The event was graced by SDO of Tengnoupal and Machi village Reikimdar Khaling, Chief Medical Officer, Tengnoupal Dr Kh Gojen Singh as the chief guest and functional president respectively.
The two guests also spoke on issues relating to the day.
NHM, Manipur
The National Mental Health Programme (NHM) Manipur, Indian Psychiatric Society Manipur State Branch (IPS MSB) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) Manipur State Branch jointly organised the 18th World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 on the theme "Working together to prevent suicide" at IMA Hall, Lamphelpat, today.
People who attended the programme wore face masks and maintained social distancing.
One the occasion, Dr S Manikanta, president IPS MSB, said that  at least 1 person commits sucide every forty seconds across the globe.
In India, Manipur ranks 26th in suicide rates and topping the list is Puducherry, he said.
Saying that suicide is 100 pc preventable as people with suicidal tendency attempt to give up their lives atleast 20-40 times on average , Dr Manikanta continued that recognizing warning signs display by distressed persons and taking them seriously are keys to preventing suicide among others.  
Atleast 80 pc of suicide cases have a connection with depression, he said, advising that emotional distancing should be avoided  by one  and all, though physical distancing has been made a neccesity to contain the COVID spread.
Sucide rate will increase dramatically during this pandemic if people start distancing themselves from their friends and families, he cautioned.
He also opined that CSOs, NGOs, child department, social welfare department ety. should work together to prevent suicide effectively.
NMHP Nodal Officer cum IPS MSB Joint Secretary Dr A Ranita Devi spoke on the topic "Self Harm & Suicide in context of Manipur"  while Department of Clinical Psychology, RIMS, Assistant Professor Dr Wahengbam Rebecca Devi spoke on "Dealing with Intentional Self Harm and Suicide Victims in the context of Manipur" as resource persons.
IMA Manipur State Branch president Dr Shyamkumar Laishram and Manipur Health Services Additional Director, Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang also attended the programme.
Senapati
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), District Health Society, Senapati organised the World Suicide Prevention Day at District Hospital, Senapati under the theme, "Working together to prevent suicide."
Members/officials of district administration, Senapati, District Health department, Indian Red Cross Society, Senapati, Branch and a host of CSOs including the Naga People's Organization, Senapati District Students Association, Senapati District Women Association, Senapati Karong Area Baptist Union, Senapati District Catholic Union and the Senapati Karong Town Committee attended the programme.
Dr Barou, Medical Superintendent, DHS gave the welcome address.
Paveine Paulina, Clinical Psychologist, DMHP, Senapati in her keynote stated that about 8 lakhs died of suicide every year which means 1 in every 40 seconds died of suicide in the whole world.
It is estimated to have died more than mentioned but due to stigma and in some countries, suicidal death is a criminal offence which led to less reporting about it.
Th Kirankumar, DC Senapati stated that suicide is the second most common cause of death between the age group of 15-29 years.
The DC also urged to spread the message of how to prevent suicide.
Dr Pfokrehe Pfoze, CMO, Senapati and Dr Ngouniba Peter, District Nodal Officer, DMHP, Senapati also attended the programme
An insightful and lively stage performance on suicide prevention awareness was showcased during the programme.
Chandel
District Mental Health Programme, Chandel and District Health Society, Chandel observed "World Suicide Prevention Day" at the offfice of CMO, Chandel, today.
The observance conducted under the theme "Worling together to prevent suicide was led CMO, Chandel, Dr Serthani Serbum.
As part of the observance, publicity on suicide prevention were carried out in different areas of Chandel. Pamphlets were also distributed.
Candles were lighted in the evening in support of suicide prevention, to remember a loved one lost to suicide and for the survivors of suicide.
Kangwai Battalion
Kangwai Battalion, under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South), organised an awareness programme on "Suicide Prevention" at Sendra, Bishnupur, today.
The awareness programme addressed ways to cope with the feeling of suicidal tendencies as and when it arises, said a statement of IGAR (S).
A total of 60 youth and local populace attended the  programme.
The locals resolve to spread awareness on this sensitive and lesser spoken issue.