Suicide survivors, who have transformed to become turned counsellors took centre-stage on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day commemorated at Madras Medical College (MMC) on Monday.
These individuals shared their experiences of the difficult times faced by them and reiterated that one should face difficulties in life with courage.
The event which was titled ‘Suicide Prevention across the globe: Strengthening protective factors and Instilling Hope’ was organised by the Gastrointestinal Patient Support Group of MMC.
Dr S M Chandramohan, chief of the Gastrointestinal Patient Support Group told City Express that the survivors of suicide attempts are given treatment and offered counselling sessions to stand up and face life.
“It is these survivors who are part of the patient support group who help counsel patients admitted for suicide attempts. That shows transformation. The basic aim of the support group is to increase awareness levels on preventing suicide,” he added.
Ramesh, a patient-support group volunteer from Warangal said that due to distressing family problems he resorted to consuming acid. He was given treatment on time and got another chance to lead a happy life.
“In 1999, I consumed acid in a bid to commit suicide. I was rescued and underwent complete treatment under Dr. Chandramohan till 2004. During the course of the treatment for five years, I was completely under a liquid diet. Today I am happy to serve as a counsellor for the support group,” he said.
Dr Chandramohan added that today Ramesh is married and the bread-winner for his family.
In his key note address, Dr V Kanagasabai, Dean, MMC said that even though life is full of difficulties, one must not resort to suicide.
“The whole of the surgical gastrointestinal department and the support group is working towards creating maximum awareness on preventing suicides and their work speaks of efforts put in to counsel those who contemplated the extreme step and put them back on track.” he explained.
Dancer Gopika Varma was the guest for the event. She led the lighting of the candle called ‘Instilling hope’ to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day along with Dr V Kanagasabai and Dr S M Chandramohan.
In her address, Gopika said that the awareness must be extended to students studying in various schools and colleges to truly help in preventing suicides.
“On my part, I will take the initiative to reach out to many schools and colleges to increase awareness levels amongst students in order to prevent suicides. Short sessions can be organised for the purpose,” she added
The survivors, who have turned counsellors as part of the patient support group, were awarded certificates that said, ‘surviving now and helping others to live, you are truly the stars of hope’.
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