One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. It can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. The world we live in is a highly competitive world. This competition pushes people into high levels of stress and anxiety which leads to depression. The pandemic has taken a TOLL on people’s physical health and mental health. The online classes have widened the gap between the teachers and students. The rate of suicide is very high at these stages and that too between the ages of 15 – 29.
However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise an awareness of suicide, to promote actions that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts and to handle any situation courageously. International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) announces the new World Suicide Prevention Day theme for 2021 – 2023 as “CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION”.
As an educational institution it is our responsibility to create an awareness amongst students and tell them that “It is OK to take help”.
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The teachers are the first point of contact with the students. It is much more essential to sensitize and provide training for our teachers to identify and handle such students to reduce the chances of suicide. In case of referring to the Counsellor, identification is the first step…
Based on the theme “CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION” a Suicide Gatekeeper Training Programwas arranged for the teachers. 44 faculty members were handpicked to attend the training session on the topic “TOUCHING HEARTS – SAVING LIVES” on 4th September, 2021 between 2.30 – 4.30 pm through the zoom platform.
Dr P. DeivaSundari, the Principal delivered the Welcome Address. Dr Geetha Lakshmi, Asst. Prof. (S&H dept.) introducedDr YaminiKannappan, MBBS, DPM, DNB, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kauvery Hospital, to the participants. In the beginning of the session, a POLL was conducted by Dr Yamini to understand the knowledge the teachers have about suicide. 80% of the teachers got 80% of their answers correct. The session was an interactive session and the teachers understood the MYTHS and FACTS about suicide, the warning signs, the verbal cues, behaviour cues and the social cues. Dr Yaminishared a technique of QPR (question, persuade, refer) whichis an Emergency Crisis Intervention, to offer hope through positive actionand refer them for help. By the end of the session the teachers were trained, equipped to handle and refer a student in distress. Ms D. Revathy, Student Counsellor proposed the Vote of Thanks and the session came to an end.
“Life is priceless; invaluable and KCG values it”