RRU’s Mental Health Initiative Tackles Suicide Risks Early
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The School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations (SBSFI) of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) successfully concluded a comprehensive, month-long program in commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025. This initiative, designed to raise awareness, provide support, and offer therapeutic interventions, addressed critical mental health issues and suicide prevention strategies within the community. World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year on September 10 globally to raise awareness and show that suicide is preventable. In India, the first National Suicide Prevention Strategy was launched in 2022; its goal is to reduce suicide deaths by 10% by 2030.
The program, spearheaded by a multidisciplinary team of clinical psychologists, forensic psychologists, and psychiatric social workers, offered a wide array of services. Key activities included awareness sessions tailored for police officials and inmates, group meetings and therapy sessions, and individual counselling sessions. The School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations at RRU is committed to equipping its students with practical knowledge and real-world experience. Their curriculum incorporates diverse case studies and field visits, enabling students to directly engage with societal challenges and develop effective resolution strategies for a better society. Police and inmates are high-stress populations; studies in India show that law enforcement personnel have elevated risk of mental health issues and suicide due to trauma, long hours, exposure to violence and low mental health support.
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Group therapy and individual counselling are known to help reduce suicidal thoughts when there is early warning sign recognition and when stigma is reduced. Mental health first aid training helps non-specialists identify warning signs. Discussions focused on identifying the underlying reasons for suicide and recognising early warning signs, providing crucial knowledge for prevention. Furthermore, the initiative provided psychological first aid for individuals experiencing emotional crises, offering immediate support and guidance. Dr. Abhijeet Singh, Assistant Professor of Psychiatric Social Work at SBSFI, RRU, who organised this impactful awareness program, shared his overall findings regarding mental health issues and related challenges observed throughout the month-long initiative. His insights are expected to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts in mental health support and suicide prevention.
Underlying reasons often include depression, anxiety, social isolation, financial stress, and family conflict. Recognising early warning signs like a change in sleep, a decline in concentration, and expressions of hopelessness is very important. Psychological First Aid is a field-tested method; it focuses on listening without judgment, helping calm distress, and connecting people to further care.
Dr. Abhijeet highlighted the critical role of such initiatives in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application. “These awareness programs provide students and teaching staff with a practical environment where they learn how to deal with sensitive situations and provide proper counselling along with treatment for the well-being of individuals,” stated Dr. Abhijeet.
The university’s commitment to practical training is further fortified by its well-equipped field labs and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with various police agencies. These collaborations grant experts the necessary access and rights to provide crucial support to those in need. The program’s multifaceted approach aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to identify warning signs, offer support, and guide individuals towards professional help, thereby contributing significantly to suicide prevention efforts within the community and beyond. MoUs with police agencies often help ensure that mental health professionals can work in custodial settings or prisons and that interventions are allowed and safe. This helps reach vulnerable people who might otherwise lack access.
The program offered a diverse range of therapeutic approaches to address various mental health needs. A key component was the “Expressive Arts Therapy + Supportive Counselling Module,” which combines traditional counselling with creative arts to facilitate emotional recovery and self-discovery. Another innovative framework utilised was “Quantum Mindfulness,” a specific type of mindfulness practice aimed at enhancing awareness and connection. Furthermore, the program included discussions and insights from a “smartphone-induced dissociation case series,” a compilation of case studies examining instances where individuals experienced dissociative episodes linked to smartphone usage.
This holistic approach underscores RRU’s commitment to addressing contemporary mental health challenges and promoting a supportive environment for all. Expressive arts therapy has been shown in research to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, improve self-esteem and emotional regulation.
Mindfulness-based art therapy or combining mindfulness with the arts has evidence of helping people with stress, fatigue, and depression. Concerns about excessive smartphone usage and social media are rising globally; dissociation, sleep issues and emotional problems are being reported more by youth with high screen time. The SBSFI team, under the leadership of its esteemed faculty, organised various interactive sessions throughout the month, directly engaging with those experiencing mental distortion to offer personalised guidance and support. Interactive methods (role play, creative expression, small-group sharing) help people feel less alone and reduce stigma around sharing mental distress.
A significant component of the SBSFI’s efforts involved in-depth research and intervention focused on understanding the underlying causes of suicidal ideation among police officials and inmates and developing effective solutions. The program included specialised training for officials and their family members, equipping them with the knowledge to identify the signs of suicide, recognise substances that negatively impact mental health, and understand pathways to finding solutions for their problems. This proactive approach underscores RRU’s commitment to the holistic well-being of all members of society, particularly those in high-stress professions and vulnerable populations. Substance abuse, trauma exposure, shift work, and operational stress are known risk factors for mental distress in police officials. Family support can buffer stress. Studies in India have pointed out that family conflict, legal stress, and lack of time for self-care increase risk.
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A key focus of the program was to educate officials, family members, and friends on the precautionary measures to be taken when an individual exhibits signs of mental distress or suicidal ideation. Discussions during group meetings and counselling sessions delved into common issues that contribute to mental health challenges, such as sleep disturbances, grief, impulse control difficulties, and family conflicts, all of which can unfortunately escalate to suicidal thoughts or actions. Experts provided practical advice and strategies for individuals to manage these issues effectively. The team also identified other significant factors that compel individuals towards suicide, including depression and anxiety, cravings, trauma, marital and parenting distress, legal stress, and pre-existing suicidal ideation. Sleep problems are strongly linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Good sleep hygiene is an easy preventive tool. Grief after losing someone, trauma (physical or emotional), conflicts at home, and financial or legal trouble often make people feel trapped, which can increase risk.
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