Shillong, Sept 10: The South West Garo Hills district administration has announced a Block Level Task Forces for suicide prevention during the observance of World Suicide Prevention Day at Garobadha Government Higher Secondary School on Thursday.
The move assumes significance in view of 18 suicide cases reported in the district, involving 15 males and 3 females.
The programme was organised by the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Ampati under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.
Attending the programme as chief guest, Superintendent of Police Vikash Varma said the figure was a serious concern given the district’s small population and size.
Additional Deputy Commissioner and PD, DRDA Raymond Z D Shira said schools have a key role in suicide prevention and teachers must remain attentive to changes in students’ behaviour and emotional well-being to identify concerns early.
He said suicide prevention requires coordinated efforts of the administration, health services, police, educational institutions, families and the community, and stressed integration of mental health education into prevention efforts.
Senior Psychiatrist at Ampati Civil Hospital Steve Cherak R Marak spoke on mental health and the importance of recognising signs of distress and seeking timely professional help.
Earlier, DMHP District Nodal Officer Matgrik L K Sangma delivered the keynote address and highlighted the need for continued awareness and community participation.
The programme concluded with a pledge to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and strengthen early intervention and community-based support systems.
