BARAMULLA, JANUARY 07: In view of current spike in suicidal ideation and societal thought, District Administration Baramulla in collaboration with Govt Degree College (GDC) Baramulla authorities today organised a daylong Sensitisation cum awareness program in the college campus, here. The programme marked an overwhelming participation of youth from across the district. The event was organised under the banner of Nayi Soch which aims to evoke positive perception about the understanding of life vis a vis contemporary problems of the time. On the occasion, Medical expert from Psychiatrist department GMC Srinagar, Dr Arshad gave detailed information on various topics related to the prevention of mental illness in youth with special focus on adolescents. In his address, Dr Arshad complimented the participants and underlined the need for prioritizing the mental health viz a viz physical well-being. He added that need of the hour is to enthuse the spirit of positivity among our youth by virtue of different means and measures like organizing counseling sessions, amusement activities among others. Expressing concern over the spike in suicide rates, the Medical expert emphasized upon different stakeholders of the society to play their part so as to curb this growing trend. He also urged the parents to understand the desires and aspirations and try to redress them positively without any negative fallout. Meanwhile, various health professionals and experts highlighted the objectives of the programme and the need for integrating mental health in the mainstream by virtue of different capacity building programs. It was given out that the journos and users of social media handles should not cover the attempt of suicidal ideation and must abide by the WHO guidelines and Press Council of India. Incident reporters should help out the victims in times of distress. Furthermore, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Zahoor Ahmad Raina also spoke on the occasion and said that district administration is committed for well-being of the society and said that more such programmes on mental peace will be organised to create awareness among the masses. Among others, Principal GMC (Prof) Dr Ruby Reshi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore Parveez Sajad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmad,other district officers besides students attended the programme.
