On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, M.S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation organised an awareness programme based on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Start the Conversation.”K.S.P. Janardhan Babu, Director (Programmes), led the session and highlighted the importance of starting conversations on suicide and understanding the perspectives of individuals experiencing emotional distress.He emphasised that suicide prevention was not the responsibility of mental health professionals alone, but required the participation of families, workplaces and the wider community.The session was structured around five important questions related to suicide. During the discussions, participants shared real-life family experiences and identified factors such as emotional sensitivity among young people, parental comparison, academic and work pressure, chronic illness, feelings of failure and relationship or family difficulties as significant concerns.Early warning signs discussed included sudden mood changes, repeatedly talking about death, social withdrawal and unusual changes in behaviour or personal affairs.The programme stressed that listening without judgment, spending quality time with family members, building resilience, providing timely support and creating awareness in the community could play a vital role in prevention.Anusiya, Project Coordinator, SPEAK, Mariwala Project for Women Survivors of Suicide Loss, highlighted the importance of care and support for individuals and families affected by suicide and explained the significance of postvention services.(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us helpline at 9375493754.) Published - September 10, 2026 08:12 pm IST