Loneliness and isolation are major concerns for suicide today: Dr. Jakqui Barnfield, Australia

Suicide prevention efforts must be integrated and require coordination among multiple sectors: Journalist Anubha Jain, Director of International Service, Rotary Bangalore Southwest

People don’t accept that they are facing a mental health illness: Meenakshi R.Nagwekar

23 Nov. 2022. Bangalore.

Considering mental health and relationship breakdown as suicidal factors, the other major concerns for suicide today are isolation and loneliness as well. Loss of connection is an issue to think about. We are socially connected human beings but sometimes this social connection becomes a personal thing. A lonely person will be at a major risk factor when we think about suicide.” This was stated by Dr. Jakqui Barnfield while addressing in a virtual panel discussion organized by the International Service team of Rotary Bangalore Southwest, Dist. 3190 in joint collaboration with Rotary’s Eclub of Melbourne on November 23rd, 2022. The session was moderated by journalist writer Anubha Jain who is also the hony. Director International Service Rotary Bangalore Southwest, Dist. 3190 and Hony. Jt. Sec. Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Journalist Anubha was in conversation with the panel that comprised Dr. Jakqui Barnfield, Director of Clinical Services, Mensline Organisation, Australia, and Meenakshi.R.Nagwekar, Director of Sisters Living Works, Mumbai-based NGO.

Dr. Jakqui further said that people commit suicide as they go through a different kind of perspective. During that period if they talk candidly with someone in a friendly environment it would be a really big help for them that can change their decision of attempting suicide as well.

Director of International Service RBSW and Journalist Anubha Jain said that recent increases in suicide rates globally have focused attention on suicide. There is a clear shift in the predominance of suicides among the elderly to younger people worldwide and particularly in India. There is a stigma around suicide that needs to be addressed and overcome. Suicide prevention needs to be prioritized on public health and policy agendas. Suicide prevention efforts require coordination among multiple sectors, and the efforts must be integrated as no single approach alone can make an impact on an issue as complex as suicide. Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published a national suicide prevention strategy that indicates the government’s clear vision and commitment to tackling suicide. Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo are important for countries to make progress in preventing suicide.

While answering one of the questions related to destigmatized society and normalized talking about mental health with people asked by Rtn. Charlotte Doss from the E-club of Melbourne, speaker Meenakshi.R.Nagwekar in detail discussed the subject and replied that people with a closed mindset try to avoid discussing the subject. They don’t openly talk about it and don’t want to accept that they are facing a mental health illness or issue that needs to be addressed. Meenakshi said that it is an area of concern and the number of suicidal deaths is higher in urban educated independent housewives as compared to men. It is high time, with community support, we need to break the silence, and myths associated with suicide and talk about it.

A doctor and a clinical psychologist from Rotary Bangalore Nagarbhavi Rtn. Dr. Padmakshi Lokesh also shared her views about the subject.

32 Rotary clubs from different parts of Bangalore and Karnataka participated in the program as joint partner clubs. Over 80 participants joined the meeting globally. President Rotary Bangalore Southwest, Dist. 3190 Rtn. Sandeep Raja welcomed the gathering and President E-club of Melbourne Rtn. Saxon Mitchell also spoke a few words.
DG 9640 Rtn. Karen Thomas; Program Coordinator Rtn. Charlotte Doss and Rtn. Madhumita Bishnu from the E-club of Melbourne; District 3190 Intl. Service Directors Rtn. Rashmi Tanksali and Rtn. Shankar Shastry; PDG Dr. Sameer Hariani; PDG Rajendra Rai; Rtn. Dr. Roopa Hariani; Rtn. Karthik Kittu; Rtn. BN Krishnamurthy; Rtn. Venkatesh MN with other distinguished guests and Rotarians from all over the world were also present in the program. In the end, the vote of thanks was proposed by Rtn. Dr. Arun Adkoli from Rotary Bangalore Southwest.