Srinagar, September 10 (KNS) : The Advanced Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Srinagar, observed World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2025, with a special program dedicated to creating awareness and promoting preventive strategies against suicide.
The program was inaugurated under the leadership of Prof. (Dr) Abdul Majid, Head of the Department of Psychiatry & Sub-Dean, SKIMS Medical College, who highlighted the concern that self-harming behaviours have increased in Kashmir in recent years. Early Detection of stress among individuals, especially youth, can help us address this issue. He also deliberated upon the role of ABC’…. positive lifestyle like Adequate Sleep, Balanced Diet, connecting to family, friends and neighbours, Devotion to social causes, and exercise regularly & finding help when needed.
He emphasised the urgent need for multi-level preventive efforts, community awareness, and early identification of vulnerable individuals.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr) Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Srinagar, stressed the role of parents in shaping the future of the younger generation. He underlined that while children must be guided effectively, they should also be given the freedom to make independent choices, which fosters resilience and emotional well-being.
Prof. (Dr) Aijaz A Rather, Associate Dean, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Srinagar, appreciated the continuous efforts of the Department of Psychiatry in advancing mental health care and awareness in the Valley.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe emphasised that suicide prevention requires a collective approach from families, institutions, and the larger society, and commended the department for its dedicated work in this vital area.
The academic session featured a presentation by Dr. Nizam Ud Din on “Causes of Stress and Their Management in Medical Students.” He shed light on the unique academic and psychosocial pressures faced by students in the medical field and discussed practical strategies to build coping mechanisms and resilience.
This was followed by a Blitz panel discussion comprising mental health professionals from diverse disciplines, including Dr. Muntaqueem (Senior Resident, Psychiatry, SKIMS), Dr. Masood Maqbool (Associate Professor, Psychology), Sameer Ahmad (Assistant Professor, Psychiatric Social Work), and Ms. Rafia (Clinical Psychologist, SKIMS). The panel deliberated on stress management, emotional well-being, and community-based approaches to suicide prevention.
After the panel discussion, Rafia demonstrated relaxation techniques to the students, providing them with practical skills to manage stress and enhance their psychological well-being.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Nizam Ud Din, who acknowledged the contributions of the dignitaries, faculty, students, and participants, and reiterated the importance of working collectively to prevent suicide and promote mental well-being in society.(KNS)