Since 2003, 10th September has been observed worldwide as World Suicide Prevention Day to strengthen global commitment toward suicide prevention. The 2025 theme, “Changing Narratives on Suicide,” was commemorated by the Department of Psychiatry, Varun Arjun Medical College and Rohilkhand Hospital, under Varun Arjun University, in the OPD waiting area.
The program was graced by Dean & Principal Dr.(Col) RN Shukla, Prof Dr.KM Dabohlkar, Prof Dr.Rajeev Singh, Prof Dr. Dharmender Gupta, Prof (Dr) Avinash Lukade, Deputy MS Dr Amit Kumar Singh, and AO Mr Lalit Chauhan. It was coordinated under the guidance of Assistant Professor Dr Abhishek Chakladar, with support from Dr Vibha Tomar (Senior Resident) and junior residents Dr Utkarsh Kumar Tripathi, Dr Nishant Yadav, Dr Nikita Anand, Dr Raman Chopra, Dr Monika, Dr Simpi, Dr Anmol, and Dr Himani. MBBS students actively engaged with the public, while Mr Giriraj Kirtee and Mr Mradul Kumar (Batch 2022) prepared creative E-Posters.
Speakers highlighted that globally, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15–29 years, with 77% of deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. In India, the suicide rate has risen by nearly 10% among females and 8% among males in the past decade, with 9 out of 10 cases linked to psychiatric disorders. Warning signs such as social withdrawal, recent stress or bereavement, sudden behavioral changes, substance use, risky activities, and loss of interest in daily life were discussed.
Experts emphasized that suicidal ideas are often not directly expressed, but subtle signs can be identified during clinical interviews. Any suspicion of self-harm should be treated as urgent, with immediate consultation from a mental health professional. The speakers also stressed reducing stigma, noting that the brain and mind are like any other organs and effective treatments exist for almost all mental health conditions.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to spreading awareness and preventing suicide