DMHP Zunheboto conducts suicide prevention awareness week

DIMAPUR — The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Zunheboto, organised a suicide prevention awareness week called ‘let’s talk campaign’ from September 10 to 16.

The campaign was organised with the theme 'creating hope through action' in three schools, one coaching centre, and one church, namely Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Sunbeam High School, GMS School South Point East, Study Point Coaching Centre, and Zunheboto Town Sumi Baptist Church, Aizuto Youth.

According to a press note, during the campaign, clinical psychologist Atolimi I Khujumi briefed participants on the causes and preventive measures for suicidal tendencies, as well as the myths and facts about suicide. 

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She said that suicidal thoughts occur in everyone at some point and are a sign of severe emotional distress, not weakness. She emphasised that people who attempt or discuss suicide are not looking for attention or drama.

She mentioned that they are rather making desperate cries for help and that people should not stigmatise or judge them, but create a safe space where they can openly discuss their feelings. 

Encouraging people to talk about their feelings "during times of distress" and to seek help, she noted that students are the ones who commit the most suicides in India. She stressed that everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide and that it is not solely the responsibility of one person or one department. 

She added that people must create a more compassionate society where those in need feel more comfortable coming forward to seek help.

Khruvotolu, a psychiatric social worker, discussed the Nagaland tele-counselling cell on the occasion and encouraged people to reach out.  

The campaign reached a total of 526 participants.

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