LUCKNOW, Sept. 11 -- A sensitisation programme and other activities were organised involving people with mental illness and their caregivers at the psychiatry department of King George's Medical University (KGMU) on Wednesday. Prof Vivek Agarwal, HoD, addressed the importance of sensitisation and emphasised that a psychiatrist alone cannot prevent suicide, a collective effort is needed for the reduction of suicide rates, a release shared with media read. Prof Pawan Kumar Gupta had an interactive session in which the brain mechanisms were simplified, how to identify early warning signs, the role of society, and the roles of other important mental health professionals, like psychologists, social workers, and nurses in society were discussed. Dr Prasad Kannekanti, assistant prof, Dept of Psychiatry, screened a short movie on suicide prevention and discussed positive mental health aspects, how to build resilience, coping strategies, the importance of physical exercise, and yoga in mental health. Ravi Shanker, clinical psychologist, shared the Tele MANAS helpline number 14416, which is a toll free service set up across the country by the government, to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services. Around 150 persons with mental illness and their family members also attended, it added. Nursing students of a private college, performed a mime on stress in day-to-day life and how it led to mental health issues. A street play was also organised by the same students on the OPD premises. World Suicide Prevention Day is observed globally every year to raise awareness about suicide, reduce stigma, and promote preventive measures. This year's theme, "Changing the Narrative on Suicide", emphasises the importance of responsible conversations, compassion, and community support in suicide prevention. An awareness programme was organised at the department of psychiatry, Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) on Wednesday. The programme was attended by faculty members of the department of psychiatry. A special programme was jointly organised by Shri Ramakrishna Math here and Human Unity Movement (HUM). Swami Muktinathananda, chief of Shri Ramakrishna Math, said, "Suicide is not just India's problem but a global challenge. Its root cause lies in ignorance. We may acquire bookish knowledge, but we often fail to understand ourselves - and that is the most essential knowledge."...