Sikkim Inspires unveils its Integrated Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy

JASWANT GAUTAM

GANGTOK, : Sikkim Inspires briefed about is newly developed Integrated Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy, a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the mental health crisis in the State, in a press conference held at Chintan Bhawan on Monday.

The press conference was addressed by Sikkim Inspires program director Rohini Pradhan along with additional director Karma Chaden Bhutia, nodal officer Dr. Sonam Ongmu Lasopa, Namchi DC Anupa Tamling and Arjun Kapoor, program director at Centre for Mental Health and Law Policy (CMHLP), Indian Law Society.

Rohini Pradhan informed that the strategy was officially launched by the Governor and the Chief Minister of Sikkim on May 16, during the 50^th Statehood Day celebration at Paljor Stadium.

Citing the 2022 NCRB data, Pradhan emphasized the urgency of the initiative, noting that Sikkim recorded the highest suicide rate in India, with 293 reported cases and a suicide rate of 43.1 per 100,000 population, far exceeding the national average of 12.4. This concerning trend has led to the State being labelled by media as the “Suicide Capital of India.”

Though primarily an economic inclusion program aimed at empowering women and youth in non-farm sectors, Sikkim Inspires has integrated mental health as a core component. “Mental wellness is essential for individuals to fully benefit from economic initiatives,” she said.

A baseline survey conducted by the team revealed that 6% of Sikkimese youth reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. The strategy was developed over the last nine months in collaboration with CMHLP, using a bottom-up, inclusive approach involving stakeholder consultations and focus group discussions.

Arjun Kapoor described the strategy as a landmark document built on a rights-based and inter-sectoral approach, ensuring access to quality mental health care, especially for underserved populations.

The strategy outlines six core areas of action: strengthening leadership and governance systems, community-based mental health care, promotion and prevention, suicide prevention, substance use and de-addiction, and research and evidence building.

Kapoor emphasized the critical role of media in mental health advocacy and stressed the importance of responsible reporting, which can greatly influence public perception and suicide prevention efforts.

Anupa Tamling infomred that the Community Intervention Programme will begin in Namchi district, with implementation expected to start in early June, pending final coordination with the Pune team.

She shared that preliminary workshops have been held with district-level stakeholders and that local communities are prepared to engage openly on mental health issues. “Key influencers in rural areas will play a crucial role in outreach and destigmatization,” she said.

Tamling also noted that the Information and Public Relations department had issued a circular in April, urging media outlets to report suicides responsibly and include helpline numbers in their coverage. “Creating safe spaces and encouraging dialogue are essential to this effort,” she added.

To complement the strategy, a mobile application named ‘Swastaman’, developed in collaboration with the department of Science and Technology, offers users the ability to self-screen their mental health and access relevant resources.

The Tele-MANAS helpline (dial 1800-891-14416 or 14416) is available 24/7, connecting callers with trained mental health counsellors for support and guidance.