Sahaayta and Neev for Mental Health host innovative mental wellness event at Instituto Cervantes, New Delhi, embracing art for mental health advocacy.
‘LIGHTS ON AGAIN : Conversations on Suicide Prevention’ is an initiative aimed at prompting sensitive and honest conversations on suicide. While suicide is unfortunately a serious and emerging problem in India, a stigma is attached to talking about it.
The collective Sahaayta together with Neev for Mental Health recently organized an event to promote mental health through the arts at Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi. In this interview, Chitra Kalyani, mental health advocate and the founder of Sahaayta, and Dr. Neetu Rana, licensed clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, talk about the objectives and goals of ‘LIGHTS ON AGAIN: Conversations on Suicide Prevention,’ their respective organizations, Sahaayta and Neev MH, and their missions in promoting mental health, and stigmas surrounding suicide and mental health in India, among other things.
Excerpts
Q. Could you describe the objectives and goals of ‘LIGHTS ON AGAIN: Conversations on Suicide Prevention’ and how it aims to contribute to suicide prevention efforts?
A. Chitra Kalyani: Sahaayta works to promote mental health through the arts. We had done a small workshop before on suicide prevention 3 years ago. Suicide is an endemic problem in India and needs to be addressed. We wanted to do something that addressed the issue widely so we approached Dr. Neetu Rana to address the issue through theatre, and also present an informed medical perspective.
Dr. Neetu Rana : Suicide prevention requires awareness and advocacy with multiple stakeholders, beyond therapy room. Hence collaboration with community and sharing awareness in digestible formats seems like a more impactful method achieving the goals.
Q. Can you share some background information about Sahaayta and Neev MH and their missions in promoting mental health?
A. Chitra Kalyani: Sahaayta is an organization that promotes mental health through the arts.
Dr. Neetu Rana: Neev is an organization offering quality psychotherapeutic services and aiming to also take psychotherapeutic services to communities on the margins who do not have access to mental health services.
Q. What are some common misconceptions or stigmas surrounding suicide and mental health in India, and how do you work to address them?
A. Chitra Kalyani : One of the myths that we want to break is the stigma around speaking about suicide. It is an issue that we can talk about.
Dr. Neetu Rana: Common misconceptions about suicide include the false belief that discussing it can increase the likelihood of someone attempting it, or that individuals who talk about suicide are merely seeking attention. Contrary to another misconception, suicide can be prevented through effective intervention, and talk therapies can be a crucial part of this prevention process. It is also a misconception to label people who die by suicide as selfish, cowardly, or weak.
The first step to break the stigma is to talk about suicide and make others aware of help that is available.
Q. What are some key signs or indicators that someone might be struggling with suicidal thoughts, and what can individuals do to support someone in such a situation?
A. Dr. Neetu Rana: Key signs and indicators of suicidal thoughts or risk include a person expressing thoughts about dying, experiencing intense feelings of shame, guilt, or a sense of being a burden to others, as well as overwhelming emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, and rage. Planning specific ways to end one’s life and engaging in high-risk behaviors are also concerning signs. Additionally, withdrawal from the social world, isolating oneself, and avoiding contact with others can be indicative of someone in distress. Recognizing and responding to these signs is essential for offering support and potentially preventing a suicide attempt, underscoring the importance of reaching out to individuals displaying these warning signs and connecting them with professional help or support systems.
Supporting someone who may be at risk of suicide involves taking their situation seriously, showing genuine concern, and actively engaging in conversations with them to understand their feelings and thoughts. It’s important to provide helpline numbers and share information about professional help resources to ensure they have access to the assistance they need. Listening, offering empathy, and encouraging them to seek professional guidance can make a significant difference in helping them navigate their struggles and find the support required to address their emotional distress and thoughts of suicide.
Q. How do you think the arts, as promoted by Sahaayta, can be a powerful tool in addressing mental health challenges and raising awareness about suicide prevention?
A. Chitra Kalyani: One of the greatest solace that art can offer us is to help us understand that we are not alone in our human condition. By staging conversations around suicide and following it up with a panel discussion, we want to discuss this issue which makes many feel alone, and help them see that they really are not alone, and also that help is at hand.
Q. Could you share some insights into the role of clinical psychology and psychotherapy in treating individuals dealing with mental health issues, including suicidal ideation?
A. Dr. Neetu Rana: Clinical psychology and psychotherapy play vital roles in treating individuals grappling with mental health issues, particularly those experiencing suicidal ideation. These professionals excel in conducting risk assessments to gauge the severity of the situation, enabling them to develop appropriate intervention plans. They also facilitate the formation of a support network or circle of safety that includes various stakeholders, such as family members and friends, to provide comprehensive care and understanding. Furthermore, clinical psychology and psychotherapy help individuals explore the emotional pain underlying their suicidal thoughts and the reasons behind seeking escape through suicide
Q. How can the community at large contribute to suicide prevention, and what steps can organizations and individuals take to create a more supportive environment?
A. Dr. Neetu Rana: The community at large can contribute to suicide prevention by increasing awareness and education about recognizing the signs of suicide and the available sources of assistance. Promoting a sense of connection through shared activities and community support networks is essential to create a more supportive environment. Furthermore, training gatekeepers, individuals who are likely to come into contact with those at risk, and developing safety plans.