Social workers and psychologists have called for an action plan to prevent the rising number of suicides in Puducherry in the light of the recent bid to end their lives by sisters from the Ashram and their family that left three women dead.

Panch Ramalingam, Honorary Secretary, Indian School Psychology Association said, “When persons, like these sisters, show the tendency of committing suicide, precautionary steps like counselling should have commenced through agencies of government or private NGOs which existed in metropolitan agencies such as Chennai and Bangalore. There was no mechanism in place here.” Narrating the steps to be taken to prevent any suicide, Prof. Ramalingam said first and foremost is counselling. They have to be addressed immediately to accept where they are and make them understand the crisis. If some social activists are able to provide sufficient counselling to gain their self-confidence and self-esteem so as understand the reality in the society. Their hope must be restored with due care and social support.

The experts said that the rate of suicide may increase if there is no action plan from the authorities.

Dr. Paranjothi, former head of Neurology Department said all the attempted suicide persons must attend counselling session for 14 days before their release from the hospital. Every suicide attempt must be recorded in a recognised hospital and survivors must attend 14 days session which includes yoga and meditation besides counselling and follow up with visits to the centre once a year for two years. For every successful suicide, there are 10 unsuccessful attempts and every attempts costs the exchequer several lakh -the same may be spent for prevention. As per a study, the All India rate of suicides was 11.4 per cent during the year which is marginally higher than 10.9 reported in the year 2009.

Sikkim reported the highest rate of suicide (45.9) followed by Puducherry (45.5), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (36.1), Chhattisgarh (26.6) and Kerala (24.6).

Vidya Ramkumar, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee said talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. Media has a major role in creating awareness, she said.

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