MADURAI: A special awareness programme for prevention of suicides had given seven easy tips by highlighting on how a conversation with the affected person can change the perspective of his or her thinking process, of persons who are experiencing emotional distress which led them to the extreme step of committing suicide to end their life.
The M.S.Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation in Madurai had organized a session here today on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day-September 10th 2026-, at M.S.Chellamuthu Gardens situated in Alagarkoil near here based on the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide: Start the conversation” which was given by World Health Organisation (WHO), according to a press release from the Trust here today.
K.S.P.Janardhan Babu, Director (Programmes), had suggested seven simple ways to prevent suicides by having a conversation with the person and decoding the problem.
UNDERSTAND THE FACTORS:
“The factors which were identified during the discussions with participants on their real life family experiences are emotional sensitivity among young persons, parental comparison, academic / work pressure, chronic illness, feelings of failure, relationship issues, family difficulties and repeated thoughts of suicide for the same person. So, the powerful message from today’s programme is to listen with compassion and extend support to the maximum extent possible by just hearing what the person says. That is the first best step,” Mr.K.S.P.Janardhan Babu who is an expert in handling and solving mental health situations in the last over two decades has said in Madurai today.
Emphasizing that suicide prevention is not the responsibility of mental health professionals alone, he stressed that suicide prevention requires the participation of families, workplaces and the wider community around that person.
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE:
Mr.Janardhan Babu had alerted the public that the early warning signs of suicide include sudden mood changes, talking repeatedly about suicide death, social withdrawal and unusual changes in behaviour of a person.
“So, we appeal from this awareness session in Madurai today that listening to the person without any judgement and spending quality time with family members along with resilience besides community support can prevent suicides to a great extent. So, start conversation with persons who are talking about suicide and just listen to what they say. That is the most effective way to begin. Life is meant to be lived,” he added.
Mrs.Anusiya, project coordinator-SPEAK, Mariwala Project for Women Survivors of Suicide Loss, spoke about postvention services and Dr.Shunmathy, research fellow Homoeopathy of Ministry of Ayush PROJECT, had cautioned that social withdrawal can increase suicide vulnerability while moral support during critical situations will help to save the lives.
Mr.Gopi Rajendran, psychologist at AHANA Hospitals / M.S.Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation in Madurai, has said that emotional weakness and disappointment besides external factors are associated with suicidal thoughts.
Mr.Pitchaivel, assistant manager of programs, had welcomed the gathering and Mr.K.Rajangam, senior social worker, had proposed a vote of thanks at this awareness session where the participants took a pledge to prevent suicide by listening, supporting and never ignoring a person who may be struggling with suicide thoughts.
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