Wadia College students create awareness on suicide prevention
CHALLENGE
The rate of suicide in the country has grown phenomenally in the last few years. People, especially the youth, attempt suicide for various reasons such as poor academic performance, relationship issues, etc. Although any attempt to commit suicide is illegal according to the Indian law, it is not acting as a deterrent. Psychologists believe that people need to be aware of their problems and know how to deal with difficult situations. With an aim to spread awareness on suicide prevention, a clinical psychologist and visiting faculty Wadia College’s Department of Psychology, Natasha D’Cruz started NGO — Reach Out for Life.
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Mentor
Natasha D’Cruz
In 2008-2009 we decided that we can do something to prevent suicide and kicked off rallies and workshops not only on prevention but also on resilience. We teach people how to deal with situations better. The NGO is run by student volunteers who conduct workshops and manage the helpline. It is like peers are helping peers, which enables most youngsters to connect easily with the volunteers. We need to replicate this in other colleges. Our students will conduct suicide prevention workshops for students from other colleges who will then become volunteers.
Clinical Psychologist and visiting faculty,
Nowrosjee Wadia College, Department of Psychology -
Expert Advice
Dr SL Bonde
Nowrosjee Wadia College has always encouraged students to participate in social activities. We also have a counseling session called ‘Disha’ organised thrice a week for students from our college. We will definitely support the students in their initiative to expand Reachoutforlife. If they need any academic help or more practical sessions, we will arrange for the same. In this field, several tests are required. We will purchase these tests for the students if required.
Principal, Nowrosjee Wadia College -
Meherina Irani
Some of my close friends have committed suicide. I strongly believe that we need to spread awareness about suicide prevention. I have always been inclined towards social activities and the rising rate of suicide worked as a catalyst in inspiring me to participate in the awareness workshops conducted by Reach out for life. We will now widen our base and work closely with the Psychology departments of other colleges so that we can reach out to more people.
Second Year MA (Psychology), Nowrosjee Wadia College -
Students
I have been associated with Reach out for life for the last two years. We conduct several suicide prevention workshops and awareness drives for students from various schools and colleges. We talk to them about coping mechanisms that help deal with depression. We will definitely be able to bring down the rate of suicide by widening our base.
Rachael Mascarenhas, SY MA (Psychology), Nowrosjee Wadia College - Suicides are a challenge to society. Youngsters these days take harsh decisions without understanding the consequences. With Reach out for life we want to involve as many youngsters as possible. If there is greater awareness, the rate of suicide may go down. I want to continue working for this NGO even after I step into my professional life.
Aansshu Kering, SY MA (Psychology), Nowrosjee Wadia College