World Suicide Prevention Day observed 

Ludhiana, September 10, 2021: “World Suicide Prevention Day” was observed today by the Department of Psychiatry by conducting various activities including poster making, slogan writing, extempore debate, role play and essay writing competition for MBBS Batch 2018 and for the B.Sc Nursing students of DMCH College of Nursing in which 150 students participated. The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day this year is “Creating HOPE through action”.
Secretary of DMCH Managing Society- Prem Kumar Gupta was the chief guest for the event. Also present were Principal Dr Sandeep Puri, Medical Supdts. Dr Ashwini Chaudhary ,Dr Sandeep Sharma, Dean Academics Dr Sandeep Kaushal and Principal College of Nursing-Dr Triza Jiwan  
Secretary of DMCH Managing Society- Prem Kumar Gupta lauded the efforts of the Department for organizing the quiz competition. In his message, Gupta said that mental health issues are quite common these days and due to present scenario of COVID pandemic, people get become extremely anxious and thereby, face serious mental issues. As a premiere medical institution of the region, DMCH has been actively participating in organizing such type of awareness sessions for the general public because each one of us can do something for our society.
 Principal Dr Sandeep Puri said that SUICIDE is serious mental health issue and it is preventable. If left untreated and undiagnosed, mental illness is the biggest reason behind the suicide but timely diagnosis and medical health care can lower the risk of patients for committing suicide. Sharing with close ones your inner fears of committing suicide can prevent you from sharing such drastic step.
Professor & Head Department of Psychiatry- Dr Ranjive Mahajan highlighted about the theme ‘Creating HOPE through action’ which means creating confidence or give positive message, to inspire the people who struggling with such serious mental health issue. Our action, no matter how big or small, can make a difference to someone in darkest moments. Further, Dr Mahajan said that suicide is committed somewhere in the world in every 40 seconds almost 800,000 people die by suicide a year around the world.
According to Dr Navkiran S Mahajan Professor Department of Psychiatry, it is also important to understand the suicide warning signs, which includes negative views about self, drastic change in mood and behaviour, frequently talking about death, substance abuse, making suicide threats, a sense of hopelessness. Suicidal warning signs should be taken very seriously and early detection of warning signs and professional mental health treatment can save life.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal of College of Nursing- Dr Triza Jiwan said that we can play our part and kindness to those who need support. As a responsible member of society, each one of us can do something for the person who is dealing with this issue.
The performance of all participants were highly appreciated and all the winners were awarded by the chief guest.
Results of winners:-
Poster competition—1.Sarushi Sharma,2. Navneet & Parneet Kaur, 3. Kashish & Shivani Mattu
Slogan writing-1.Ruchi Virpal, 2. Pavleen Kaur, 3. Kawaljeet Kaur & Harsimran Kaur
Essay Writing:- 1.Puja Sharma, 2. Amisha & Ishpreet Kaur, 3. Rohin Kansal