Jamshedpur Jeevan volunteers get special training on suicide prevention

Mail news Service

Jamshedpur, April 17:  Special training was imparted to volunteers of Jeevan, a social organization devoted to mental wellbeing of people especially on prevention of suicide. The programme was conducted in the auditorium of ADL Sunshine School in Kadma. Famous psychiatrist, Dr Deepak Kumar Giri who was the chief guest at the special training on suicide prevention inaugurated the programme for all volunteers associated with Jeevan, a social organization of the city that has been making all out efforts for suicide prevention.

 Dr Giri, while discussing the rise in mental afflictions, appreciated the efficiency of the volunteers of Jeevan by casting light on better and effective emotional support that could be provided to patients suffering from mental disorders. Founder of Jeevan, Dr Mahavir Ram and Director, Dr J Jain were also present on the occasion.

With the addition of new volunteers, Jeevan would be successful in providing free services to more people. People were urged to report acquaintances, friends and family members who were mentally under stress to contact Jeevan for free services and prevent them from taking the ultimate step, suicide.

Durga Rao, the Deputy Director of Jeevan said that ignoring minor mental problems over a period of time led to suicide. He said, “Human life is very valuable. Don’t lose it by being scared of short-term small mental problems. Instead, face them boldly by taking guidance from Jeevan volunteers.”

Jeevan provides services 365 days and helpline numbers were 9297777499 and 9297777500. The COVID-19 ‘blitzkrieg’ resulted in 55 persons committing suicide in three months. The infection rates, fear and lockdown phases led to negative mental states leading to an increase in suicides (258 in 2020 and 255 in 2021 with an average of 21 per lakh). The start of 2022 was better as COVID predominance subsided (17-17 in January and February); but in March, the number of suicides again touched 21. To stop this growing trend, Jeevan added six volunteers from different fields