Shillong: The District Mental Health Programme, East Khasi Hills on 10^th September 2022 organised the Observation of World Suicide Prevention Day on the theme “Creating Hope through Action” at the KJP Assembly Hall, Shillong. Dr. H. Lyndem, Director (MI), DHS, Shillong graced the programme as the Chief Guest and Dr. Pakha Tesia, President Indian Psychiatric Society attended the programme as the Guest of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr H. Lyndem said that World Suicide Prevention Day is observed to raise awareness on suicide and suicide attempts and to make suicide prevention a priority. While keeping on this year's theme “Creating Hope through Action”, Dr Lyndem calls for the cooperation of the community member to prevent suicide by encouraging, empower people to be in charge, to take action of their lives and well being of one life that they have. She further added that this day also aims to disseminate information about suicide awareness, to raise awareness to the stigma and discrimination against people with mental health issues,  increasing advocacy on mental health and to make easy health accessibility in hospitals and health centres whereby reducing instances of suicide in the community.

During the programme, Dr W.T. L Shira, District Nodal Officer, DMHP East Khasi Hills spoke on the overall goal and objective of the observation of the World Suicide Prevention Day and also gave a brief introduction on this year’s theme while Dr B. Sohkhlet, Consultant, Psychiatrist, DMHP gave a brief presentation on ‘Suicide Prevention- Myths & Facts’.