AMN / Aligarh
The Psychological Society, Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) today started a two-day observation of the ‘World Mental Health Day’ on the theme, ‘Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention’ with the inaugural function at the Conference Room, Faculty of Social Science to raise awareness on mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
Attending the programme as the Chief-Guest, Prof Abu Qamar Siddiqui (Former Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College-JNMC) delineated causes and preventions of suicidal behaviour.
Quoting World Health Organization (WHO), he pointed out that there is a suicide in the world in every 42 seconds.
Prof Siddiqui also spoke on the importance of counselling.
The Guest-of-Honour, Prof Asia Aijaz, Department of Psychology shed light on mental illnesses and numerous reasons that lead an individual, especially a young person to commit suicide.
“The primary focus of the programme is to create awareness on mental health and what can be done to prevent suicides with timely interventions,” said Prof Roomana N Siddiqui, Chairperson, Department of Psychology.
Ms Amna Ansari President of Psychological Society delivered the welcome address, while Ms Yusra Khan, Vice President of the Society extended the vote of thanks.
Ms Iqra Fatima conducted the programme.
Meanwhile, the Department of Community Medicine, JNMC conducted ‘World Mental Health Day’ observations at the Rural Health Training Centre, Jawan.
Speaking on signals leading to suicide, Prof S A Azmi, Department of Psychiatry said, “Suicides are preventable, if people with suicidal tendencies have someone to speak about their problems.”
He added that it is important for family members of people with suicidal tendencies to reach out to them.
Dr Shravan Kumar and Dr Ved Prakash urged the villagers to develop positive attitudes.
Dr Uzam Eram proposed the vote of thanks.
A poster competition to raise awareness was also organised on the occasion in which Dr Saman Habib, Dr Sakhsi and Dr Raunakh won the first, second and third prizes respectively.