District nodal officer Tamenglong Dr Aashiflqbal on Thursday, while pointing out that suicide is the 4th leading cause of unwanted deaths among the age group of 15-19 years, said that ‘coordination counselling’ will reduce the number of suicide cases in society.
He was speaking as resource person during the observance of World Suicide Prevention Day at district hospital, Duigailong Tamenglong. It was organised by District Health Society Tamenglong under the theme of ‘Creating Hope through Action.’
The observance was attended by sub divisional officer, Tamenglong lmosana Singh; district leprosy officer, Tamenglong Dr Felix B Kamei; district surveillance officer, IDSP Tamenglong Dr Rochunlung Savio Kamei and chief medical officer Tamenglong Dr G Majachunglu as chief guest, guest of honours and president of the function respectively.
Dr Aashiflqbal also highlighted some early warning signs of suicide such as talking about wanting to die; talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live or talking about being a burden to others. Signs also include withdrawal or isolation from family and friends as well as reckless behaviour, increased alcohol or drug abuse, displaying extreme mood swings.
“We can help someone who is suffering from suicidal tendencies by offering psychological first-aid or by being non-judgmental,” he said.
Another way to help them is by removing all the dangerous weapons/items/ medicines from the surroundings or building a contract by asking a question like “Will you promise me not to kill yourself till I find help for you?” he said.
He also urged to walk together hand-in-hand to prevent any suicide attempts in the future.
Working together at individual, family and community level can do a lot to prevent suicides, he added.
Chief medical officer Tamenglong Dr G Majachunglu said suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, but yet preventable. Parents should know their children’s behaviour and give proper counselling, he said.
The district health society Tamenglong also observed world heart day at the district hospital Duigailong Tamenglong under the theme ‘Use heart for every heart’ on Thursday.
DNO, NCD Tamenglong Dr Kaguilan also spoke as a resource person during the observance of World Heart Day.
