Date:09/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/09/stories/2006090909160200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Seminar today on `suicide prevention'

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Concerned over the rising number of suicides and to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day, several like-minded organisations, including NIMHANS, Makkala Sahayavani, Medico-Pastoral Association, Banjara Academy and Rotary Bangalore East have come together to create awareness about prevention of self-harm.

These organisations under the aegis of NIMHANS have organised a seminar on ``Suicide Prevention in India'' at the NIMHANS Convention Centre on Saturday. They have also organised a public event at the Cubbon Park on Sunday at 4 pm.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, Professor and Head of the Department of Epidemiology at NIMHANS, G.Gururaj, said that the public event would convey the message to all, especially to the young, that life can be enjoyed despite fear of failures.

Helplines

"We want people to know that their lives are precious. If you have a problem, get help and talk about it. There are several helplines and counselling centres run by non-governmental organisations and the State Government, which can help those in distress," he said.

Pointing out that around 12,000 people ended their lives in Karnataka every year, Dr. Gururaj said of these more than 1,400 were from Bangalore. "The profile of those committing self-harm has changed over the years and it has been noticed that people in the age group of 15-45 years are at high risk," he said.

Quoting a study conducted by NIMHANS, he said that 64 per cent of those who have ended their lives were below 39 years of age and 35 per cent in the age group of 15 to 29 years. "It is unfortunate that teenagers and young adults facing relationship, academic and peer pressures along with poor coping abilities and lack of support systems have committed suicide in the prime period of their life," he said.

Administrator of Medico-Pastoral Association Lata Jacob said they had conducted a placard activity last month and 316 children from 13 schools and five colleges expressed their views about how life was precious.

Coordinator of Makkala Sahayavani said people in distress could call the SAHAI helpline on 25497777 or the Christ College helpline on 40129129 for help.