World Suicide Prevention Day observed at Guntur GGH

The Department of Psychiatry at the Government General Hospital (GGH), Guntur, observed World Suicide Prevention Day with the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” The event was chaired by Prof. Dr. N. Uma Jyothi, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Deputy Superintendent of GGH, Guntur, to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
Dr Uma Jyothi shared her experiences in treating patients with suicidal thoughts and emphasised the importance of timely intervention and counselling in helping individuals return to normal life. She highlighted the need for continuous mental health support to prevent suicides. Dr. V. Venkata Kiran, Associate Professor and Aarogyasri Chief MEDCO, spoke on the significance of reducing the stigma surrounding suicide. He stressed the importance of open discussions to tackle this complex issue.
Vijaya Lakshmi A., Legal Advisor for the SAKHI-One Stop Centre for Women and Child Welfare, shared her experiences working with teenagers dealing with relationship and family conflicts, as well as substance abuse.
She noted that regular counselling was essential in resolving these cases.
Siddhartha, founder of the Seven Green Charitable Trust, supported the cause by donating chairs worth Rs 25,000 to the department. He acknowledged the vital role psychiatrists play in addressing mental health disorders and emphasised that mental health is as important as physical health.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Dr. K. Ratna Kishore, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, and was attended by faculty members, postgraduates, and staff of the Psychiatry Department