Mental health project to address teenage suicides in Puthencruz division

With suicides being increasingly reported among students, the Puthencruz division of the Ernakulam district panchayat will organise mental health awareness and intervention sessions in schools in the division.

According to Juble George, who represents the division in the district panchayat, the programme named ‘Wings of Happiness’ will be organised in 13 schools in the division.

This year, more than four suicides among schoolchildren aged around 14 and 15 years were recorded in the division. Besides supporting children, parents and teachers shall also be included in the programme, he said.

The sessions will focus on equipping primary caregivers with the skills to handle mental health crises, including emotional distress, behavioural crises, and other emergencies, before professional help is sought. Mental health coordinators are also being identified in schools as part of the programme, which will be implemented in Thiruvaniyoor, Vadavucode-Puthencruz, Poothrikka, Aikaranad areas.

Dr. Daya Pascal, head of the Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital, Ernakulam, and nodal officer of the District Mental Health Programme, Ernakulam, said there has been an increase in the number of suicides, juvenile crimes, elopements, and substance abuse cases. This points to the need for mental health interventions, she added.

“The idea is to develop positive mental health habits among children. It is not enough to make mental health interventions only when crimes involving children or other crises occur. Proactive interventions are required,” said Dr. Pascal.