Stand up and face life!

To mark ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ on Monday, several colleges in the City organised rallies, staged plays and put up street shows, to educate the young about the increasing rate of suicide in the City.

The idea was to promote a sense of commitment and action among the student community to develop a positive outlook to life.

Most of the students found the programmes useful and say that they were grateful that their college authorities took time off to put together some useful information on the
importance of suicide prevention. 

Metrolife got a peek into what the college managements and students did to spread awareness on the spiralling rate of suicides in the City.

The students of the Kristu Jayanti College got together and formed a human chain, in an effort to discourage students from thinking or attempting suicide. Life is too precious to be taken away in a split second, was the message that students wanted to convey to their collegemates. “Even amidst bad times, it always pays to look at the brighter side of life. Education and a sound family go a long way in helping young people handle stress.

And it is important to talk things out with people,” says Shruti, a second-year degree student of Kristu Jayanti College. Molly Joy, head of department of psychology, reasons that students need to be talked to and counselled when they’re in trouble. “As mentors, it is important that we see the young through tough times and give them the courage to stand up and face life. If this message is ingrained in them, we will be able to save many a life,” explains Molly.

The students of CMR Group of Institutions were also taken through a session on suicide prevention and the importance of developing a positive attitude. The students confess that they found it useful but they wished that the session included their parents as well.

Sachin Soman, a third-semester BCA student says, “I know of a lot of people of my age who go through a bad spell and have nobody to turn to. I can use these tips to counsel my friends and help them get over their depression,” says Sachin. He adds, “But parents mount a lot of pressure on their children. This session should have included them as well.”

Monika V, a third-year commerce student, also says that she found the programmes extremely useful.

“A few tips such as ways of developing a positive outlook, talking to people and sharing problems are pretty useful. I think indulging in useful activities when in depression is the best thing to do to get out of it,” explains Monika. The Mount Carmel College held happiness day celebrations on its campus recently. The department of psychology invited guest speakers, including a session by stand-up comedian Sandeep Rao to talk to the students about overcoming stress and handling pressure situations intelligently.

Hamsa N, assistant professor, says, “A section of our students work with the psychology unit of NIMHANS. Here, through our programmes we emphasised the need to look at life in a positive manner and deal with crisis in a healthy way rather than succumb to depression.”

Sagarika, a final-year student of Mount Carmel College, explains, “We have a very healthy atmosphere on campus. We are given the freedom to talk with our mentors when we have a problem and the counselling centre in college in open at all times for us.”