Police and Psychologists unite to de-stigmatize mental health in Kota

With an alarming number of deaths by suicide in Kota, the police authorities, psychologists, and spiritual leaders joined hands. They will work to de-stigmatize seeking therapy and engage in open conversations about mental health. The collaborative effort took place on the occasion of “World Suicide Prevention Day”.

As per the reports, as many as 23 students reportedly died by suicide in Kota, Rajasthan this year.

Kota Police Inspector Prasan Kumar Khamsera shed light on the importance of seeking therapy. He emphasized that there are need in society to discourage the myth related to suicide. Seeking help from a mental health professional is perfectly fine and okay.

The inspector general also highlighted the initiatives by the police, to address students’ stress. The police stations in kota are established a specialized unit “Student Cell”. It consists of a team of professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, medical officers and counselors.

Former director of IHBAS, Mr Nimesh Desai, pointed out the increasing number of suicide cases, indicative of the rising prevalence of psychological disorders. He also clarified a very fundamental aspect of suicide. He stated that one does not die by suicide, but rather becomes a victim of it. The way we articulate our words matters when discussing suicide. Dr. ML Agrawal, Psychiatrist pointed out that most suicides were observed among NEET aspirants. NEET is a highly competitive entrance exam to get into medical college. He proposed conducting exams twice a year, similar to the JEE format, in order to alleviate the pressure on students. This will allow students more flexibility and could potentially alleviate some academic pressure and psychological distress that NEET aspirants face.

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is celebrated annually on the 10th of September. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) organizes it, and the World Health Organization (WHO) endorses World Suicide Prevention Day. The designated theme for the year 2023 is “Creating Hope through Action.”