PASIGHAT, Sept 10: Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat observed World Suicide Prevention Day with a series of impactful events organized by the Department of Social Work in collaboration with the District Mental Health Unit, East Siang District. 
The day featured a thought-provoking skit performed by first and third semester students from the Master of Arts in Social Work (MASW) programme. The skit, themed “Mental Health: Stigma and Awareness,” addressed the critical need for social support, timely intervention, and professional help in tackling mental health issues. 
Dr. Magong Pangkam, Psychiatrist, presented a session on “Depression and Suicide,” where he emphasized that depression is a major factor leading to suicide, often described as more intense than the pain of childbirth. He detailed the signs and symptoms of depression, the disorders that can contribute to it, and the cognitive patterns of worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness that frequently lead to suicidal thoughts.
Clinical Psychologist Kenyam Pertin focused on the importance of mental health and self-care. She discussed how myths and stigma surrounding mental health issues can prevent individuals from seeking early intervention and hinder caregivers from recognizing early warning signs. Ms. Pertin called for a shift in the narrative, advocating for the normalization of mental health discussions and breaking down societal taboos. She encouraged the audience to be attentive to their mental and physical needs, emphasizing that it is acceptable not to always be positive but important to maintain rational thoughts.
DMO Dr. Komling Perme in his address highlighted the statistics governing suicide in India and the world and shared that advent of technology has resulted in comparative reduction of farmer suicide in India. He also highlighted the availability of professional help and encouraged seeking support rather than resorting to copycat suicides.
Dr. Kato Lego, District Programme Coordinator for the District Mental Health Unit of East Siang, addressed the audience by affirming that suicide is preventable. He spoke about the role of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in global efforts to reduce suicide rates and emphasized the importance of World Suicide Prevention Day in raising awareness.
Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work Menuka Kadu pointed out that mental health issues often do not receive the same level of empathy and response as other medical conditions. She urged the audience to reconsider their attitudes towards individuals suffering from mental health issues. Referencing recent research, she noted that while road accidents are the leading cause of death among students worldwide, suicide is the leading cause in India, signifying a pressing issue and a need for instituting peer counsellors across educational institutions. 
Narmi Darang, Registrar, APU, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues, including the difficulty in discussing their struggles and the lack of societal awareness regarding the signs of mental health conditions and suicidal tendencies. He called on the audience to engage meaningfully with the programme and commended the efforts of the resource persons and medical team.
The observance attracted an audience of around 100 participants, including medical staff, students, and faculty members from various departments, making it a significant occasion for promoting understanding and awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

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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
Phone: 0360-2212313

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