Tele-MANAS, Jharkhand, organized a “Suicide Awareness and Prevention program with Sensitization on Tele-MANAS Services” on the occasion of “World Suicide Prevention Day” at the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi.

The event on Wednesday aimed to sensitize law students about mental health challenges, stress management, and suicide prevention.

The keynote session was delivered by Dr. Aman Shaba, (Consultant Psychiatrist, Tele-MANAS), who spoke on “Understanding Mental Health Challenges in Law Students.” 

He highlighted the importance of recognizing mental health as an integral part of overall well-being. His address covered essential topics such as myths versus facts about mental health, stress and stigma in the legal community, common challenges faced by law students, and identifying early warning signs through verbal and behavioral cues.

Ms. Nishi Varsha Kerketta, (Mental Health Professional, Tele-MANAS), discussed the causes of suicide, protective factors, stages of suicide, and the do’s and don’ts in suicide prevention. She emphasized that timely support and awareness can prevent many avoidable tragedies.

Ms. Vijaya Laxmi Dorai, (Mental Health Professional, Tele-MANAS), shed light on identifying risk situations, the crucial role of peer and family support, crisis intervention strategies, and building community groups for resilience. 

It was an interactive session where students engaged with experts, shared concerns, and learned practical ways to cope with academic, personal stress and also enhanced their understanding towards suicide prevention. 

By concluding the session Ms. Aastha Malhotra, (Counsellor, Tele-MANAS), informed students about the services and initiatives of Tele-MANAS, a toll-free and confidential helpline no. (14416/1800-89-14416) that provides mental health support across the state.

The program also featured a special interactive session between the Tele-MANAS team and the university administration, including assistant registrar Dr Jisu Khetan Patnaik  and faculty member Mr. Ashish Silswal, who expressed their commitment to support the mental well-being of law students by continuing organizing such programs further.