CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Instead of remaining silent on a sensitive subject such as suicide, starting a conversation in time can play an important role in saving someone’s life. With this message, World Suicide Prevention Week, organised by the Department of Psychiatry at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, concluded.
More than 120 participants took part in the workshop held on the final day of the week on the theme “Change the narrative on suicide – start the conversation”. The workshop was organised jointly by National Forensic Science University, Bhopal, and BMHRC.
Speaking at the programme, the institute’s Acting Director, Dr Manisha Srivastava, said that there are many occasions in life when a person is surrounded by despair and confusion and does not understand how to come out of a problem. At such times, it is extremely important to maintain positive thinking. She said difficult phases do not last forever and this time too shall pass. Addressing students, she said failure in one examination should not be seen as defeat in life. Preparation for the next examination should be done with double enthusiasm and confidence. This approach gives a person the strength to fight every challenge in life.
Special guest Snehal Gupta, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Bhopal, said mental, financial and social challenges keep arising in life. In such circumstances, one should not allow morale to break or despair to dominate. She told students that in moments of crisis, it is important to maintain positive thinking and choose the path of help and dialogue.
Rajesh Singh Yadav, Professor and Associate Dean, School of Forensic Science, Bhopal, said there can be many reasons behind suicidal thoughts. Referring to studies related to suicidal tendencies after Covid, he said training programmes such as gatekeeper training are important for prevention. Such training can help people identify a person in crisis and provide timely assistance.
Jyotsna Jain, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry, shared details of the activities of the Student Welfare Centre started in July 2024. She said stress management seminars, yoga sessions, a movie club, tree plantation drives and anti-ragging awareness programmes have been organised through the centre. She said suicide should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but understood as a state of crisis. At such a time, rather than leaving the person alone, it is important to listen to them and maintain communication. The workshop was coordinated by V. Sai Sreeja, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry.
Under the gatekeeper training, group discussions on risk assessment and role plays based on the QPR technique – asking questions, explaining and referring – were presented. The workshop also discussed dispelling myths related to suicide, warning signs, risk and protective factors, and ways to provide help in a crisis. Faculty members and students of National Forensic Science University, Bhopal, also took part in the workshop. On the occasion, participants in the poster competition were awarded prizes. Institute officers, employees and postgraduate students were present at the programme.
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