“Suicide Prevention Workshop: Creating Hope Through Action”
Date: 10th September 2024
Time: 10.00 AM to 2.00 PM
Objectives:
1. To educate participants about the prevalence, warning signs, and risk factors of suicide.
2. To increase awareness of the mental health challenges that can lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
3. To foster an understanding of the connection between mental health and suicide, and how addressing mental health issues can prevent suicidal behavior.
4. To break down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide by encouraging open dialogue and providing accurate information.
Outcome of the activity:
1. Increased Awareness and Understanding
2. Enhanced Intervention Skills
Mode: Offline
Venue: Amity University Madhya Pradesh
Number of participants: Around 150 participants including university students, non-teaching staff and faculties.
Resource Personage: Ms. Prasuna Shanmukha Priya Lanka, Dr. Sundeep Katevarapu & Ms. Nupur Agarwal
Summary of the session:
The Suicide Prevention Workshop began with participants gathering to raise awareness and learn effective strategies to prevent suicide in their communities. The workshop opened with a prologue emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and early intervention, supported by a presentation of suicide statistics that highlighted the urgency for timely action. A formal welcome set a collaborative tone for the day, stressing the significance of the workshop’s goals and the role each participant would play in making a difference.
Mental health and suicide prevention experts were then introduced, setting the stage for an insightful and impactful session. The first segment focused on educating participants about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide, such as mental health struggles, social isolation, and life stressors, while emphasizing the importance of open communication and active listening in identifying these signs. Following a short break, the workshop resumed with a focus on practical intervention skills, including how to approach individuals at risk, initiate difficult conversations, and guide them toward appropriate support services. Crisis intervention resources such as helplines and counseling services were introduced, and participants were encouraged to become mental health advocates in their respective circles. A significant portion of the session focused on reducing stigma around mental health and promoting empathy and understanding.
In the interactive Question & Answer segment, participants had the opportunity to engage with the experts, ask questions, and deepen their understanding of suicide prevention. The workshop concluded with an expression of gratitude to all involved, fostering a safe and supportive environment for addressing suicide prevention. Participants left empowered to take proactive action, promoting mental well-being, spreading awareness, and building supportive community networks aimed at preventing suicide.