SRINAGAR: The Advanced Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Medicine at SKIMS Medical College Bemina observed World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 on Wednesday with a programme aimed at raising awareness and promoting strategies to prevent suicide, amid growing concern over rising self-harming behaviours in Kashmir.
Prof (Dr) Abdul Majid, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Sub-Dean at SKIMS, inaugurated the event and warned that cases of self-harm had increased in recent years. He stressed the importance of early detection of stress, especially among youth, and advocated adopting “ABC” positive lifestyle practices, including adequate sleep, a balanced diet, community connections, devotion to social causes, exercise, and timely help-seeking.
Prof (Dr) Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal of SKIMS Medical College, underlined the role of parents in shaping children’s emotional resilience. He urged a balance between effective guidance and granting children independence in decision-making.
Prof (Dr) Aijaz A Rather, Associate Dean, praised the psychiatry department for advancing mental health awareness and emphasised that suicide prevention requires joint efforts from families, institutions, and society at large.
The academic session featured a presentation by Dr Nizam Ud Din on stress among medical students, highlighting academic and psychosocial pressures and suggesting coping strategies.
A panel discussion followed, with inputs from psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, who spoke on stress management, emotional wellbeing, and community-based preventive measures. Clinical psychologist Rafia later demonstrated relaxation techniques for students.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Nizam Ud Din, who reiterated the need for collective action to prevent suicide and strengthen mental health support in Kashmir.
