Sikkim hosts mental health awareness program to address rising suicide rates

A one-day awareness program on mental health and the prevention of deliberate self-harm was held at M.G. Marg, Gangtok, organized by the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) under the Health & Family Welfare Department (H&FWD) in collaboration with several NGOs. The initiative aimed to highlight the importance of mental well-being and address Sikkim’s high suicide rates.

The event was attended by H&FWD Secretary Bharani Kumaar, IAS, Medical Superintendent of STNM Hospital Dr. Ruth Yonzon, State Program Officer (NMHP) Dr. Sangeeta Pradhan, Dr. C.L. Pradhan and Dr. Bibhusan Dahal, psychiatrists from STNM Hospital, and clinical psychologist Ms. Archana Chettri. Officials from social welfare and youth affairs departments, representatives from NGOs such as Mangan Rehabilitation Center, Freedom, Serenity Home, Samaritan, and Nivaasa Rehabilitation Home, and students from Sikkim Manipal College of Nursing, Burtuk College, and Sikkim University also participated.

The program began with a welcome address by Dr. Sangeeta Pradhan, who stressed the need for mental health awareness. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Deputy Director (IEC) Mr. Kishore Thapa, where experts examined the biological, psychological, and social causes of self-harm. The panel emphasized the role of family and community support in preventing self-harm and providing a safety net for those in distress.

Highlighting early signs of mental distress, the panelists encouraged people to seek timely help. Dr. C.L. Pradhan advocated a “Each One, Help One” approach, urging community members to support those battling mental health challenges. Personal testimonies from NGO representatives reinforced the need to remove stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.

A skit performed by STNM College of Nursing students depicted the struggles of a young girl facing mental distress and showcased community intervention and available mental health services such as Tele MANAS (14416/1800-891-4416).

In his address, Secretary Bharani Kumaar, IAS, stressed that mental health should be prioritized like any physical health condition. He highlighted the Suicide Action Network Project (SPAN), which has screened over 11,500 individuals, providing counseling to 7,500+ people. He also underscored the state’s mental health services at STNM Hospital, district hospitals, and primary health centers (PHCs), with ASHAs trained for pre-screening and medical officers providing counseling.

Given Sikkim’s high substance abuse rates, he noted the establishment of the Center for Addiction Medicine at Chuwatar, which has provided critical interventions for affected individuals.

The Secretary urged community members, NGOs, and stakeholders to actively participate in mental health awareness and suicide prevention efforts. He also emphasized the importance of accessing crisis helplines, including Freedom’s 24x7 helpline (03592-202111/1800-3453225) and Tele MANAS for immediate psychological support.