Odisha Police Launches Mental Health Campaign Following Student Suicides
Awareness Initiatives in Educational Institutions
In response to a troubling rise in student suicides in Odisha, local police have initiated awareness programs across various educational institutions in the northern and western parts of the state. The Higher Education Department is also gearing up to launch a statewide campaign aimed at addressing the alarming suicide rates among youth.
Over the past month, four women, including three college students, have reportedly taken their own lives in the region.
Himanshu Lal, the Inspector General of Police for the Northern range, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among students, particularly young women. He stated that campaigns have been rolled out in colleges located in Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Jharsuguda, and Sonepur districts.
These awareness initiatives feature real-life testimonials, expert advice from mental health professionals, and information on available helplines and counseling services.
Lal noted that the response from students, parents, and the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
During the outreach efforts on Tuesday and Wednesday, local police officers visited colleges to reassure students of their support.
The officers educated students about existing laws and provided guidance on how to address various challenges without resorting to suicide.
Lal observed a significant reduction in the gap between students and police, with students becoming more comfortable approaching officers, which he views as a promising development in suicide prevention.
In a similar vein, under the direction of DIG Eastern Range, Satyajit Naik, police personnel visited Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore to kick off a mental health awareness program.
The date of August 12 was specifically chosen for this initiative, marking one month since a second-year female student tragically died after self-immolation.
Naik highlighted the necessity of promoting mental health awareness and encouraging individuals to seek help during tough times.
The event aimed to cultivate a supportive community that prioritizes mental well-being.
The campaign, led by committed police officers, seeks to educate female students about the critical issues surrounding suicide and self-immolation, fostering resilience and awareness while providing access to support systems.
A female police officer stated, "Our goal is to empower female students with knowledge of the law, coping strategies, and resources to handle emotional and psychological challenges."
Through interactive workshops and counseling sessions, police officers are working to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging open discussions and emphasizing the importance of seeking help.
The initiative also focuses on building self-esteem, managing stress, and creating a sense of community to combat feelings of isolation, according to Lal.
Odisha's Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, mentioned that the department's initiative, part of the Shaktishree scheme, aims to enhance mental well-being among students and prevent extreme actions during challenging times.
The campaign will soon be launched to educate students on emotional resilience and the importance of seeking support in stressful situations, fostering a supportive environment where peers, teachers, and parents can assist those in distress.