AMPATI: The District Mental Health Program (DMHP) of South West Garo Hills in Meghalaya commemorated World Suicide Prevention Day with a special event at the Chengkompara Adolescent Health Resource Centre on Tuesday.
The event, held under the global theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” saw active participation from educational institutions, health professionals, and community leaders to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Gracing the event as chief guest, Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar emphasized the significant impact of social media on mental health and its growing influence on the younger generation.
Other distinguished guests included Dr. A.K. Marak, BDO of Purakhasia C&RD Block; Tapos Marak, SEO of South West Garo Hills; Dr. Denisha Momin, Medical Superintendent of Ampati Civil Hospital; and Dr. Samson Sangma, M&HO of South West Garo Hills.
Teachers and students from several schools, including St. Claret Secondary School, Ampati Government Higher Secondary School, Cool Shadow Secondary School, Chengkom Medic Secondary School, and Mother’s Union Secondary School, attended the event.
As part of a week-long Suicide Prevention Week, students from various schools in Ampati participated in a series of competitions, including extempore speech, role play, poster making, and musical chairs. Prizes were awarded to the winners during the main event on World Suicide Prevention Day.
In his keynote address, Dr. A.K. Marak highlighted the urgent need for suicide prevention and the importance of mental health education at the grassroots level.
Additionally, Dr. Denisha Momin discussed the root causes of mental illness and its connection to rising suicide rates.
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Throughout the week, the DMHP conducted awareness programs in schools and communities, focusing on suicide prevention and promoting mental health resources.
The event underscored the crucial role that community and health programs can play in addressing mental health challenges and promoting suicide prevention.
