10/09/2025
*SEPTEMBER 10 - WORLD SU***DE PREVENTION DAY*
We all are aware of training in Basic CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation to save lives due to cardiac arrest, similarly, we all should be trained in *SPR - Su***de Prevention & Rehabilitation* to save lives due to Su***de.
Whenever a person has suicidal thoughts or does su***de attempt, know that it is a cry for help just like a person complaints of chest pain or has an heart attack.
*What should one do if a person calls or tells that they has suicidal thoughts?*
First, *JUST LISTEN*. Donot judge, donot give advice, donot counsel, donot give solution or suggestion or even motivational quotes. JUST LISTEN. Then, follow:
SPR -
*S* afe place,
*P* sychiatrist,
*R* ehabilitation
1. *Safe place*: Tell the person to move to a safe place where someone known person is there like a relatives or a friends place, police station or even a hospital emergency.
2. *Psychiatrist* - Tell them to consult a Psychiatrist as early as possible for assessment of Su***de Risk and further management that may include medications, admission to hospital, counselling or psychotherapy by trained medical professional (psychiatrist) who can save lives.
3. *Rehabilitation*- Accompany and support the person during follow up appointments or treatments till the person is *Rehabilitated* to normal.
170924 people died by su***de in 2022 in India, according to NCRB 2023 report. Extrapolating the similar rate to the year 2024, More than 215000 probably may have died due to su***de. Su***de is a serious health and economic problem of enormous magnitude.
It is EVERYONE’S responsibility to save lives from su***de.
Let’s take a pledge -
EACH ONE SAVE ONE by following the SPR technique - Safe place, Psychiatrist and Rehabilitation.
Dr Naresh Vadlamani
Chairperson
Su***de Prevention Speciality Section - Indian Psychiatric Society.
