Editor,
On 10 September, the entire world celebrates the World Suicide Prevention Day with the theme ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’. However, the trend of suicide in India is very concerning and requires serious intervention.
Every year, around 7,00,000 people commit suicide worldwide, making it the third leading cause of death among youths aged 15 to 29 years. In India, over 1,70,000 people lose their lives to suicide.
Arunachal Pradesh is also witnessing this phenomenon, but sadly, many suicide cases go unreported because in our tribal culture, suicide is treated as a taboo.
In recent years, youths of Arunachal have experienced a sense of hopelessness in the employment sector, where rampant corruption has shattered their dreams and pushed them into severe psychological stress. There are unofficial reports that some youths have committed suicide due to depression caused by unemployment.
It is a sad but bitter truth that in Arunachal we do not talk about mental health and stress. The government should include training programmes on mental health for school teachers, both government and private. Moreover, psychologists should be recruited by every school and college to prevent suicide and provide mental counselling to students and teachers.
If you are experiencing severe psychological stress, you can seek help from professionals. In Arunachal, there is a group of psychologists called The Calm Space, who provide mental health and counseling services. If you ever find yourself in a state of anxiety and depression, you can reach out to them at 9233798300.
Additionally, the TRIHMS and RKM Hospital also provide these services, and you can approach these institutions.
If you see someone close to you under severe psychological stress, do not turn a blind eye; listen to them. In this chaotic world, where you could be anyone, be kind, because we never know what others are going through.
Keyom Doni