Nagaland observed World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 with events by universities and institutions focusing on awareness, early intervention, empathy, and breaking the stigma around mental health.
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DIMAPUR — World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 was observed on Wednesday across the state by different institutions with programmes highlighting the global concern on suicide and focusing on awareness, early intervention, and skill-building.
North East Christian University: The Psychology Programme at North East Christian University, Burma Camp, organised an experiential skill training programme on the theme “Bystander to first responder – an experiential skill training programme focused on changing the narrative on suicide”.
According to a press release, the week-long campaign was highlighted by a video produced by students depicting the silent struggles of a Grade 12 student who died by suicide. It illustrated subtle warning signs seen in school, family tensions, sibling conflicts, relationship challenges, and social withdrawal.
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The programme began with an introduction by assistant professor Angel Ngullie, who shared her professional experience with clients affected by suicide, presenting statistics, symptoms of suicidal ideation, and their progression if unaddressed.
An interactive session led by assistant professor Lanusenla invited participants to “question” the video characters, using a checklist of symptoms to identify distress indicators.
Assistant professor Temsurenla Aier spoke on the importance of active listening skills, emphasising empathy, validation, and safe dialogue. Postgraduate students shared information on mental health support available in government hospitals and community services.
The event concluded with a session on interventions for caregivers, offering strategies for parents, teachers, and peers to provide support, reduce stigma, and strengthen protective factors.
Oriental College: Oriental College, Kohima, observed the day on the theme “Creating hope through Action” in collaboration with the National Mental Health Programme, National Health Mission, and Carl Roger’s Institute of Mental Health and Research Centre.
Keynote speaker Kevichübei-ü Rutsa stated that suicidal tendencies often develop gradually and can be treated with timely intervention, stressing that anyone can extend help through encouragement. She further noted that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among youth worldwide.
The programme included a questionnaire on suicidal ideation for students and a poster competition where Bemang C Konyak of B.Com 1st Semester was judged first. Kevikho Kire of BA 5th Semester and Neihunuo Puro of BA 3rd Semester were judged second and third, respectively.
St. Joseph University: At St. Joseph University, the Department of Psychology and Counselling, in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council, observed the day on the global theme “Changing the narrative on suicide”.
Keynote speaker Loivitoli Awomi, counselling psychologist and founder of Lapiye Centre for Mental Health and Well-Being, presented state suicide data from the last five years and emphasised shifting from stigma to empathy.
She urged for preventive approaches, community engagement, policy reforms, and investments in mental health resources. She also addressed societal pressures equating success with academic or career achievements, advocating instead for recognising emotional well-being and resilience as integral to success.
She called upon various sectors—government institutions, churches, schools, and organisations—to invest in mental health resources and support networks. Stressing the role of educators and parents, she encouraged collaborative efforts to break the stigma around mental health and foster resilience among youth.
Furthermore, Awomi discussed the toxic societal expectations that equate success solely with academic, career, or social achievements. This pressure, she explained, often leads individuals to feelings of failure and despair.
North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research: North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), in collaboration with Gracious Life Foundation, observed the day at the Peace Centre, Chümoukedima.
On the occasion, Sr. Rena Hassa, MSW Semester I, emphasised the role of social workers in addressing mental health challenges and preventing suicide. She stated that social workers possess the power and responsibility to make a meaningful difference in society.
She emphasised the urgent need to raise awareness on mental health, to recognise early signs of depression, and to equip oneself with skills to respond empathetically and effectively. Highlighting the importance of human connection, she called upon everyone to be caring, attentive, and supportive to those in distress.
She further appealed to participants to become proactive advocates of hope, extending a helping hand to those in need and spreading the message that life is valuable and every person matters.