RONO HILLS, Mar 3: A workshop on ‘stress management and prevention of suicide and sexual harassment’ was organised by Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here in Papum Pare district on Saturday.
Coordinated by Assistant Professor Radhe Amung, the workshop saw the participation of RGU Vice-Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha, Student Welfare Dean Prof Kesang Degi, Medical Officer Dr Akin Tana Tara, and boarders of the university’s different halls of residence. It was part of an initiative of the union human resource development ministry.
According to a WHO report, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young adults globally. As per the National Health Profile of 2018, in India suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the age group of 15-39.
During the workshop here, the resource persons – Midpu-based Mental Health Centre’s clinical psychologist Nabam Yeni, AITS Assistant Professor Zilpha Modi, and RGU Psychology Department Assistant Professors Leeyir Ete and Pampak Khumukcham – spoke on issues pertaining to stress factors leading to suicidal tendency, and suicidal people’s thought processes.
The quartet also enlightened the students on various forms of sexual harassment, and myths and doubts regarding sexual harassment. Corrective measures, suggestions and tips for remedial action were also part of the discussions.
The participants stressed the need to break the stigma attached to mental health, and to change the people’s perceptions with regard to suicides.
Empathy, support groups and medical attention are needed for those who are suffering from mental ailments, while any form of sexual harassment, regardless of gender, should not be tolerated and corrective and remedial measures taken against it, the participants agreed.
