Seminar urges shift in narrative around suicide to save lives

KARACHI: More than 720,000 people die by suicide annually, with the highest rates among 15- to 29-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries, necessitating a change in the narrative around suicide and need to prioritise prevention as a public health issue.

These alarming figures were shared by Dr Chooni Lal, Head of Psychiatry at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), during a seminar titled "Changing the Narrative: Starting the Conversation on Suicide Prevention."

Organised by the Continuing Medical Education (CME) department of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) in collaboration with JPMC’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, the seminar was held to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon warned that suicide is among leading causes of death globally, yet it remains cloaked in stigma and misunderstanding, saying healthcare professionals have a crucial role in addressing this crisis and equipping communities with evidence-based prevention strategies.

CME Director Dr Rahat Naz stressed the importance of empathy and action, calling for a supportive environment for those grappling with suicidal thoughts.

"By changing the narrative from one of shame and silence to one of empathy and action, we can create a space where individuals feel safe to seek the support they need," she said. "This is our responsibility, and we must respond with urgency and compassion."

The seminar featured talks by notable speakers, including Prof Dr Iqbal Afridi and Dr Jawed Dars of the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), who discussed the complex factors contributing to suicide.

They emphasised the importance of enhancing access to quality mental healthcare, training communities to recognise warning signs, and breaking down barriers to seeking help.

The need for a life-course approach to suicide prevention was also highlighted, with a focus on building individual and community resilience, promoting social connections, and addressing the root causes of suicidal ideation. The message was powerfully illustrated through a performance by JSMU's Performing Arts Society.

The event was attended by healthcare professionals, students, and faculty members from JSMU, JPMC, and NICH.