Rono Hills, Sep 10: The Arunachal Team of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) titled, “Multistate Implementation Research Study on Suicide Risk Reduction and Improving Mental Well-being Among School and College Students” organized a One Day Program in observation of World Suicide Prevention Day-2024 under the theme, “Change the Narrative- Start the Conversation.
The program kickstarted with the welcome address by Dr. Tarun Mene, Assistant Professor cum Principal Investigator of the project, Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies. 
In his opening remarks he said “Life is a short project we are all working on,” underlining the simplicity of life to be handled with care, one day at a time. He briefed on the project background and further added on the importance of sound mental health. 
The 1st technical session titled “Sensitization on Suicide and Positive Mental Health” was delivered by Dr.Dharmeshwari Lourembam, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology. Normalisation of mental illness by all, irrespective of the differences was also brought to light, providing a better understanding via differences in mental health and mental illness. She then gave a lucid background on mental health, overall well-being in addition to its dimensions. Further, she debunked certain myths prevailing in society and the significance of incorporating an empathetic and sensitive language. She also highlighted on the contemporary therapeutic techniques and resources readily available to seek help. She ended her session with an emphasis on fostering an inclusive environment, advocating further with the support of peers. 
Technical session-II, titled “Spirituality and Mental Health” was delivered by Dr. Kakali Goswami, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology. She initiated the session by introducing how spirituality is the journey of self-exploration. She also threw light on the idea of how suicide is nothing but preponement of death had been deliberated in depth. Reading the warning signs for early detection and referral was underscored by her. She made an engaging exercise with the audience on self-reflection regarding their mental health concerns via a short self-rating questionnaire. With spirituality being an integral part of life, she also brought attention to pivotal role of sensitization of Faith based organizations (FBOs) for the same.
Resource Person Techi Tapu, Program Officer, USAID- PRERANA provided concise background on the goals and expected outcome of the project. He also informed the audience about Telemanas under National Mental Health program, operational through Mental Health Centre, Midpu, available for the general masses during times of distress as well as regular intervals, like routine physical check-ups. Certain suggestive posts for social media for maximum youth engagement and gathering authentic information was also imparted. 

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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