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DIMAPUR — The ‘Start the conversation’ campaign, organised by the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Zunheboto, dedicated a week to suicide prevention from September 10 to the 14th.
The campaign, themed ‘Changing the narrative on suicide,’ was specifically focused on reaching out to students in five schools in Zunheboto - Step by Step School, Bethany School, Government Hr. Sec. School, Government Middle School, Alahuto, and Government Middle School, North Point, an update stated.
During the campaign, Atolimi I Khujumu, clinical psychologist at DMHP, shed light on the alarming prevalence of suicide in India, emphasising that the country holds the highest global record for suicide cases.
It was disclosed that 20 people in India take their own lives every hour, highlighting suicide as the primary cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 39 years.
Khujumu also dwelled about the evolving perceptions of suicide and stated that “what was once a shocking occurrence has now unfortunately become a concerning trend, particularly among young people.”
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She also addressed the stigma that surrounds suicide and its impact on society. It was stressed that the initial reaction to suicide often revolves around assumptions of faithlessness or personal weakness, contributing to a culture of silence around the issue.
The clinical psychologist underscored the importance of breaking this silence and initiating open discussions about suicide and its prevention. Even small conversations were emphasised as having a substantial impact in addressing this critical issue.
In addition, Khujumu highlighted the various challenges that students face, from academic pressures to personal problems, and encouraged them to vocalise their emotional distress instead of bottling up their feelings.
She further provided guidance on identifying warning signs, while promoting the development of coping skills and resilience to tackle daily life stresses. The students were strongly encouraged to seek help and were educated on where to find the appropriate support.
The campaign reached a total of 381 participants. Khruvotolu Nyekha, psychiatric social worker, DMHP Zunheboto, was also part of the campaign.