Suicide Awareness Program
In an effort to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, NIMHANS Bengaluru organized an engaging community session at the iconic Lalbagh on Saturday. The event, part of the institute’s ongoing #CommunityConnect initiative, aimed to educate participants about common myths surrounding suicide and promote the importance of strong support systems.
The session was led by experts from the Global Programme on Mental Health, who emphasized the critical role of families, communities, and peer networks in preventing mental health crises. Attendees were encouraged to engage in open conversations, share experiences, and understand how early intervention and connectedness can help reduce the risk of suicide.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Horticulture, the session also highlighted practical strategies for community members to recognize warning signs and provide timely support to individuals in distress. Participants were provided guidance on accessing mental health resources and fostering safe environments within their social circles.
Representatives from NIMHANS’ PSW (Psychosocial Wellbeing) and CPNT (Community Psychiatry and Training) departments were present throughout the session, offering insights and interactive demonstrations on coping mechanisms and stress management. The program underscored the importance of collective responsibility in addressing mental health issues, stressing that awareness and empathy at the community level are as crucial as professional intervention. Organizers said such initiatives are part of NIMHANS’ broader goal to build resilient, informed communities capable of supporting vulnerable individuals. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to discuss mental health openly, noting that the session provided both education and hope in confronting a sensitive and often stigmatized issue.