Community Connect by NIMHANS at Lalbagh sparks dialogue on suicide prevention

As a part of World Suicide Prevention Month, NIMHANS, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, hosted its ‘Community Connect’ initiative at Lalbagh Botanical Garden. The session, themed “Choose Life, Choose Hope – Let’s Talk About Suicide Prevention,” engaged round 55 members in candid conversations on psychological well being, resilience, and assist programs.

The occasion started with an interactive ice-breaker the place members sang “Give Me Some Sunshine” and expressed their ideas by way of drawings, making a reflective and secure surroundings. Led by Prabha S. Chandra, senior professor of Psychiatry at NIMHANS, the session targeted on dispelling myths about suicide, selling empathetic listening, and inspiring help-seeking, noting that suicide makes an attempt are not against the law in India.

Dr. Chandra highlighted the vital position of household, buddies, and peer networks, urging members to establish 10 people to remain related with and to behave as “3 a.m. buddies” for these in misery. She additionally addressed the twin impression of social media, each as a set off and a software for consciousness, and underscored the significance of open communication, grounding practices, and small gestures that may be life-saving.

Participants shared private experiences, reinforcing the necessity for group assist. The session concluded with the distribution of informational supplies, optimistic affirmation postcards, and the Tele-MANAS helpline (14416), adopted by a motivational group track.