Shillong, September 10: The Departments of Psychiatry and Community Medicine, NEIGRIHMS, organised a public awareness programme at the Rural Health and Training Centre, Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi district, on September 10 to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2026.
Observed globally on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day seeks to raise awareness about suicide prevention and reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns. This year’s programme was held under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
The programme was attended by residents who had visited the Centre for medical consultation and treatment. The resource persons included Senior Resident Psychiatrist Dr Dazelle Sungoh, Clinical Psychologist Ms Kimberly Syiem, both from the Department of Psychiatry, and Dr Teju, Senior Resident Doctor, Department of Community Medicine.
The session focused on helping participants identify verbal and behavioural warning signs of suicide, understand risk and protective factors, and learn ways to support individuals who may be at risk.
Beginning at 11 am, the awareness session was conducted through small-group discussions involving around four to five participants at a time. The approach was aimed at facilitating direct interaction and ensuring that key messages on suicide prevention reached participants effectively and could subsequently benefit the wider community.
A separate sensitisation session was also conducted for the staff of the Health Centre to encourage greater collaboration in preventing self-harm and suicide through early identification, support and preventive interventions.
The programme also highlighted the importance of awareness about mental health and the resources available to individuals experiencing mental health concerns or thoughts of self-harm. Participants were informed about the Tele-MANAS helpline, a national mental health support service.
The Departments of Psychiatry and Community Medicine, NEIGRIHMS, said they remain committed to strengthening community-based mental health awareness and plan to organise similar programmes in other parts of Meghalaya. The initiative forms part of the Institute’s broader efforts to address mental health and substance use disorders in the region.
