Vijayawada: Aimed at breaking stigma, fostering dialogue, and promoting preventive mental health care for students and the community, the department of psychiatry at AIIMS Mangalagiri, observed ‘World Suicide Prevention Week 2025′ from Sept 10 to Sept 16 under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Starting the Conversation” at the institute premises.As part of the event, the institution conducted week-long activities which were inaugurated by institute director Professor Dr Ahanthem Santa Singh. The activities included an awareness skit and IEC distribution on suicide prevention at the OPD, along with a candlelight march – A Walk of Hope by students to spread solidarity and remembrance.The institute further launched the AIIMS Mangalagiri Student Suicide Prevention Helpline, wherein individuals with suicidal thoughts can contact 7331115179.Further, the institute conducted community outreach programmes at UPHC Ramachandrapuram and PHC Nuthakki, with awareness sessions and Tele-MANAS interactions with 555 participants taking the ‘Let’s Talk’ pledge.The other activities included painting and elocution competitions encouraging creative and critical engagement with mental health, and a Gatekeeper Training Workshop certifying 35 ‘Gatekeeper Buddies’ as peer supporters and first responders.
