Hans News Service Vijayawada

NTRDistrict Mental Health Programme (DMHP) organised a suicide prevention awareness rally in Ibrahimpatnam on Thursday to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. The rally began at the Ibrahimpatnam police station and proceeded through various areas, with participants raising slogans and spreading awareness on preventing suicides.

DMHP programme officer Dr Meena said the rising number of suicides was a matter of serious concern and stressed the need for greater awareness and timely intervention. She said loneliness and mental health problems were among the factors contributing to suicidal thoughts and advised people to maintain a healthy lifestyle through nutritious food, regular exercise and adequate sleep, besides limiting mobile phone usage.

Dr Meena said suicide is not a solution to problems and urged people facing emotional or mental distress to seek help without hesitation. She appealed to citizens to identify people in distress, talk to them and guide them towards professional support. Awareness was also created about the Tele-MANAS helpline 14416, through which people can seek mental health support.