MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE PREVENTION
Mental Health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. Mental health is a Basic Human Right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development. Mental health conditions contribute to poor health outcomes, premature death, human rights violations, and global and national economic loss. People with mental health conditions experience widespread human rights violations, discrimination and stigma. 'There can be no health or sustainable development without Mental Health'.
Mental Health disorders are prevalent in the community. The National Mental Health Survey conducted in 2016 in India, reported the prevalence of mental disorders in Rajasthan as 10.7%. Translated to the real number nearly 80 lakhs people in Rajasthan are in need of active interventions. According to National Crime Record Bureau 'Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India' Report:-
• 5658 suicides reported in Rajasthan during 2020.
• Showing an increase of 25% in comparing to year 2019.
• During 2015-2020, more than 25000 people died by suicide in Rajasthan.
SRKPS Response
SRKPS works include:-
• Advocacy with local and state government to prioritise Suicide Prevention & effective implement of both the National Mental Health Policy, 2014 and the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
• Advocacy with state government for creating a State Level Suicide Prevention Strategies/Policy that has a public health, intersectoral, and psychosocial approach.
• Advocacy with media to follow suicide reporting guidelines released by Press Council of India and World Health Organization.
• In 2019, Hon. Health Minister of Rajasthan released poster on the theme of Suicide Prevention on World Mental Health Day. The poster was conceptualized and designed by SRKPS.
• In 2019, on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 Sep), SRKPS was one of the panel member and securing interview on Prime Time show organised by Patrika TV.
• In 2017, SRKPS participated and provide training to ASHA at CMHO Hall, Jhunjhunu.
• SRKPS members time to time writing editorials in Hindi/English Newspapers for general public awareness on the topic of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.