Open house: What steps should Health Department take to raise awareness on suicides?

Systemic approach can check problem

Suicide is an action of killing oneself. It is caused by a complex set of factors such as stress and a feeling of insignificance, yet it is preventable. These two emotions are caused by the inability to meet socio-economic pressures. Suicides are triggered by a conflict between individualism, freedom and social responsibilities. Society creates hope in an individual to rise to success, but reality throws challenges that he cannot meet.

The same is true of relationships. First, society projects abstract promises of equality, encouraging the girls to push her husband's family out of their living environment while accepting the traditional rights of sharing the in-laws' property, assets and everything else. The non- fulfillment of such dreams causes stress in the husband-wife relationship, resulting in a rise in negative feelings in both.

The past is carried forward in the tradition of the female spouse leaving her parents' house to join the husband's family and share their resources and environment, denying the traditional responsibility of physical, emotional and economic sharing with them.

Then comes false expectations of opportunities to rise out of one's circumstances by education and work. The third cause is the environment of corruption, lawlessness and denial of human dignity by the socio-political- bureaucratic system.

The solution to the phenomenon of suicide would depend on a comprehensive and systemic approach requiring a multi-sectoral participation of governments, communities and individuals.

Sukhdev Singh

Professor (retd) of Applied Linguistics & ELT,

Department of English,

Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

Awareness can decrease suicides

Promote the 24x7 toll-free mental health helpline, especially in high-stress areas. The Health Department should train community health workers in suicide prevention and mental health first aid. The Health Department should launch awareness campaigns for sections such as farmers facing debt, youth facing academic pressure, and families in economic distress. Residents also can help to decrease suicide cases by breaking silence by talking to neighbours who are struggling. Local community-based support groups should be encouraged where people can discuss stress-causing factors like debt or joblessness and students can speak without fear of judgement. Avoiding rumours on social media can also prove to be of help.

Sucha Singh Sagar Bullowal

Reduce stigma around mental health issues

Here are some suggestions to check the problem of suicides.

n Launch a public awareness campaign using local media, posters and community meetings to talk about mental health.

(a) Organise free mental health check-ups in schools, colleges and workplaces with NGOs and counsellors.

(b) Train local health workers and teachers in basic suicide prevention and psychological first aid.

These steps can help create a supportive environment and reduce stigma around mental health.

Pran Aggarwal

Urgent mental health crisis, needs attention

The recent suicide cases in Amritsar highlight an urgent mental health crisis that demands collective action. Many such tragedies stem from multiple pressures-intense academic competition, rising unemployment and the growing influence of drugs in Punjab. Substance abuse not only damages physical health but also worsens depression, anxiety and impulsive behaviour. At the same time, job scarcity leaves many educated youth feeling hopeless and financially insecure. Social media further deepens dissatisfaction by promoting unrealistic standards of success and lifestyle, leading to unhealthy comparisons and low self-esteem. The administration and Health Department must strengthen mental health services at district hospitals, expand de-addiction centres, and introduce regular counselling in schools and colleges. Awareness campaigns at the community level can help reduce stigma and encourage early help-seeking. Parents, teachers, and local leaders must remain vigilant and supportive. Responsible reporting by media and open dialogue within families are equally important. Preventing suicide requires empathy, early intervention and a coordinated response from government and society alike.

Dr Astha

Need to change orientation

The trend of suicide is increasing among today's youth. To understand and stop this trend, we should think on many levels. The first thing is that parents should raise their children with such moral values and norms that their thinking is ideal, hopeful and future-oriented. Secondly, whenever our children go to schools, colleges and universities, along with studies, their attention should be directed towards creative or inventive interests. Due to the lack of right direction, the power to cope with adverse situations is decreasing in their mentality. Today's youth choose easy or convenient paths. The next thing is that the education of students should be employment-oriented. Any student who pursues his education should be satisfied that he will get employment after completing his studies. Creative interests, knowledge and discipline can together make the character of students ideal-oriented.

Sohinder Bir Singh

Boost mental health programme

Three suicides in a single day in Amritsar is not an isolated tragedy but a stark symptom of a broader mental health crisis that remains dangerously neglected. Despite national and state-level policies, Punjab's treatment gap for mental disorders exceeds alarming percentage, with most people never reaching proper psychiatric care. The administration, including the Health Department, must urgently expand the District Mental Health Programme into schools, colleges and workplaces, introduce 24x7 tele-mental health and local helplines, and run sustained public awareness campaigns in Punjabi and Urdu to break the stigma. Residents, too, must move beyond silence and gossip, speak openly about depression and anxiety, and encourage professional help instead of treating mental health issues as private shame.

Amardeep Singh Bains,

Secretary, DLSA, Amritsar

Provide counselling services

The recent suicides in Amritsar highlight an urgent need to prioritise mental health. The administration should launch sustained awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and workplaces, focusing on stress management and early signs of depression. The Health Department must strengthen counselling services at government hospitals and activate 24x7 helplines with trained professionals. Regular mental health camps in localities, especially vulnerable areas, can encourage early intervention. Residents should break the stigma by openly discussing emotional struggles and supporting those in distress. Community leaders, religious institutions and NGOs must collaborate to create safe spaces where individuals feel heard and supported without fear of judgement.

Jagdish Singh

Open vocational & rehabilitation centres

Mental health issues and rising suicide cases are significant concern in India. With the advent of nuclear family system, society is falling apart as united family units helped in solving trival issues at a nascent stage. There are a number of contributors to the rising graph of suicides. The most common factor is family problems, relationship or marriage-related issues, loneliness among seniors etc. Over a period, youngsters with drugs addiction also become a cause of suicide in younger generation. Steps like tele- consultation, mental counselling etc.are already in public domain but there is a need to spread awareness at the ground level. The local Health Department should undertake door-to-door surveys to educate the public on mental health issues and identify the persons afflicted with mental health problems so that they can be addressed at the earliest. Amritsar mental hospital, once known as Asia's biggest centre for treating mental diseases, lacks bare minimum facilities. The government should provide adequate mental health professionals and clinical psychiatrists at the hospital to address the rising number of cases. There is an urgent need to open rehabilitation and vocational centres to treat the mental patients at the earliest.

Anil Vinayak

Provide timely professional support

Mental health awareness must move beyond token observance. The authorities should integrate counsellors into schools and Mohalla Clinics to identify warning signs early. The district administration can partner with psychologists to conduct free weekly counselling sessions. The media must report responsibly, avoiding sensationalism. The Health Department should train frontline workers-teachers, ASHA workers and police personnel-to recognise distress signals and guide families toward help. Residents can play a proactive role by checking on neighbours and relatives, particularly youth and the elderly living alone. Collective vigilance, compassion and timely professional support can prevent tragedies and build a resilient community.

Dr Meenakshi

Set up task force to tackle problem

The alarming incidents call for a coordinated mental health action plan. The administration should establish a district-level mental health task force to review cases and suggest preventive measures. Colleges and coaching centres must conduct workshops on coping with academic and financial pressures. The Health Department can expand tele-counselling and ensure confidentiality to encourage more people to seek help. Social media campaigns in Punjabi and Hindi should spread awareness about available services. Residents must avoid labelling mental illness as weakness and instead promote empathy. Early counselling, family support and accessible treatment facilities are essential to reduce such heart-breaking incidents.

Lakhbir Singh

Involving community can help check this

Suicide prevention requires community participation. The administration should introduce mental health screening during routine health check-ups at government facilities. Dedicated crisis intervention teams and emergency response systems must be strengthened. Schools should include emotional well-being sessions in their curriculum. The Health Department can collaborate with NGOs to organise outreach programmes in rural and urban slum areas. Residents should stay attentive to behavioural changes in loved ones and encourage professional help without stigma. Religious and community leaders can use public gatherings to promote hope and resilience. Building awareness, accessibility and acceptance together can make Amritsar safer and more supportive.

Varun Saini

Create youth-focused support groups

The recent cases underline the need for sustained mental health reforms. The authorities should increase the number of trained psychiatrists and counsellors in public hospitals and ensure medicines are readily available. Regular awareness drives through local media, FM radio and social platforms can inform citizens about symptoms and helplines. The Health Department must create youth-focused support groups addressing exam stress, unemployment and substance abuse. Residents can volunteer in peer-support networks and encourage open conversations at home. Most importantly, society must treat mental illness like any other health condition-deserving care, respect and timely treatment-to prevent further loss of precious lives.

Sarabjit Kaur