HELP Society Observes World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Awareness
10 September 2024 || HELP Society, officially known as Helping Everyone Live and Prosper Society, collaborated with the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Dima Hasao, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day at Sengya Sambudhan Higher Secondary School. This important occasion was centered around the theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide – Start the Conversation,” aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and fostering open, empathetic discussions around suicide prevention and mental well-being.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness Through Dialogue
The event sought to educate and empower students, teachers, and community members to openly discuss a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress, and social isolation. These issues are often surrounded by stigma, leaving many individuals feeling isolated and unable to seek help. By promoting open discussions, the event aimed to create a supportive environment where individuals could address their mental health without fear of judgment.
Dr. Jubilee Darnei, MD Psychiatry, who serves as the Senior Medical & Health Officer and District Program Officer of DMHP, Dima Hasao, was the keynote speaker. She delivered a powerful and informative address on recognizing early signs of mental health issues, such as changes in behavior, mood swings, and social withdrawal, which can be early indicators of more serious mental health struggles.
In her address, Dr. Darnei emphasized the vital role of conversations in suicide prevention, noting that early intervention through open dialogue can be life-saving. She stressed the importance of compassion and understanding, encouraging participants to reach out to individuals in need and offer their support. “Suicide prevention begins when we start compassionate conversations and offer a helping hand,” she said, highlighting the critical need for a community-centered approach to mental health care.
Collaborating with the Educational Community
The event would not have been possible without the collaboration of the headmaster of Sengya Sambudhan Higher Secondary School, Mr. M. Nabakumar Singha, and his dedicated team of teachers. Their commitment to the mental well-being of their students was evident in their active participation throughout the day’s events. From coordinating logistics to facilitating discussions, the educators played a key role in making the event a success.
In addition to HELP Society’s team, the presence of local community members further underscored the importance of collective action in addressing mental health. Their engagement reflected a growing recognition of the need to break the silence around mental health challenges and create an inclusive environment where students and others feel supported.
Distributing Resources for Continued Awareness
One of the significant components of the event was the distribution of informative leaflets to all attendees. These leaflets contained valuable advice on managing common mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life, along with guidance on recognizing the warning signs of more severe mental health conditions. Additionally, the leaflets encouraged individuals to seek professional help when needed, reinforcing the message that asking for help is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
These resources were designed not only to support individuals in the immediate aftermath of the event but also to serve as ongoing tools for mental health education within the community. By providing practical advice and information, the HELP Society and DMHP aimed to keep the conversation about mental health going, long after the event had concluded.
A Path Forward: Collective Responsibility in Suicide Prevention
One of the key takeaways from the event was the emphasis on shared responsibility in suicide prevention. Dr. Darnei, along with the representatives from the HELP Society and DMHP, reiterated that mental health is not an individual issue, but a community-wide concern. Through collective efforts—whether through open conversations, supporting one another, or creating access to mental health services—suicide prevention can become a reality.
HELP Society remains deeply committed to its mission of promoting mental well-being. As an organization, it has long recognized the link between emotional health and overall quality of life. By participating in events like World Suicide Prevention Day, HELP Society hopes to continue playing an instrumental role in fostering a community that prioritizes mental health awareness and provides the necessary support for those in need.
Looking Toward a Compassionate Future
The impact of the World Suicide Prevention Day event was profound, not only in raising immediate awareness but also in encouraging long-term change. The presence of mental health professionals like Dr. Jubilee Darnei provided expert insights, while the collaboration with local educators and community members highlighted the importance of an integrated approach to mental health care.
By fostering an environment where mental health issues can be discussed openly and honestly, HELP Society and DMHP are working toward creating a society where individuals feel safe to seek help when needed. The event marked a significant step forward in changing the narrative around mental health, reminding all participants that compassion and communication are powerful tools in the fight against suicide.
In the months and years ahead, HELP Society will continue its efforts to address mental health issues through similar programs, workshops, and collaborations. Together, we can build a future where mental health matters are no longer shrouded in silence but are approached with the empathy and attention they deserve.
Let us commit to mental health and work collectively to foster a healthier, more compassionate society for all.
