– Jagat Parida

More than 800,000 people die by suicide a year, making it the principal cause of death among people fifteen to twenty-nine years old. Every 40 second minutes, one person commits suicide. And one in each three of victims is a youth below the age of 30 years, says World Health Organization (WHO). It is often believed that it is only adults who exhibit suicidal behaviors, but it should be made known that many children and young people engage in this kind of behavior as a result of violence, sexual abuse, bullying, and cyber-bullying. 

Suicide is a global public health problem that deserves the attention of all the actors in the field of mental health, including scientific and professional organizations, organizations for mental health users and their families, and universities. It deserves particular attention from national health authorities since it is their responsibility to craft policies and directives aimed at establishing strategies to prevent suicide and promote the public’s mental health. The role of both print and audiovisual communication media and social media is important. 

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. This year, the theme of World Mental Health Day was “Suicide Prevention”. The main Suicidal behavior has existed throughout human history, but due to several complex factors, it has increased gradually in all parts of the world and, in the past few decades, has reached alarming statistical levels. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. 

The World Mental Health Day was observed at CYSD-DRTC premises. In order to mark the day and create awareness, a Panel Conversation on “Emotional Wellbeing for Personal Effectiveness” – Dialogue Demystify Connect was jointly organized by CYSD and Human Context, Bangalore. The distinguished Panelists present in the dialogue were Shri Jagadananda, Former State Information Commissioner and Mentor & Co-founder of CYSD; Dr. Sarada Prasanna Swain, Director of Mental Health Institute, Cuttack; Dr. Suvendu Narayan Mishra, Dept of Psychiatry, SUM Hospital; Prof Sachidananda Mohanty, Former VC, Central University of Odisha; Ms. Anuradha Mohapatra, Founder, MANAM Foundation; Dr. Sister Durgesh of Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya and Ms. Sushree Mishra, Director, Human Context. The Panel Conversation was facilitated by Shri Santosh Mishra, Founder of Human Context. Putting emphasis on ‘Emotional Health’ Dr. S N Swain said we have to develop positive emotion by learning more on it and burst out the negative emotions.

Now the time has come to develop EQ than IQ, he added.Dr. Suvendu Mishra said suicide among children and youth can be prevented if parents become more open to their children.  Ms. Anuradha Mahapatra emphasized that proper counseling and empathetic actions to persons can prevent suicide.Dr. Sister Durgesh said, ‘Emotional Well-being’ is possible if one can identify the resource available within; gather knowledge about the self, and enhance the love for self, establish linkage of self with the supreme soul, open to the Almighty and do meditation for spiritual healing.

Summing up the panel discussion, Prof. Sachidananda Mohanty, emphasized on Liberal Education to children. Liberal education is an approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. A liberal education helps students develop a sense of social responsibility as well as strong and transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings. On the occasion, a Counseling Centre for Mental Well-being was launched at CYSD-DRTC, Bhubaneswar.

Tips suggested by the Panelists for Maintaining Good Mental Health Wellness

    • Regular exercise and walk to prevent muscular tension and promote a healthy brain.
    • Healthy diet by taking enough vegetables and fruits.
    • Breaks to rest during the day.
    • Challenge to the brain by learning new skills and engaging in new activities.
    • Spend some quality time with family and friends.
    • Take care of sleep hygiene.
    • Practice meditation, which helps to relax the body and mind.
    • The practice of deep breathing exercise helps the body & mind supplying oxygen to the brain and muscles.
    • Maintain a healthy weight – that reduces anxiety, depression, and irritability and helps promote a sound and healthy mind.
    • Consult with a doctor or a mental health professional for mental health wellness tips.