CHENNAI: The World Mental Health Day was observed in the city solemnly, with the focus turned on suicide and its link to mental health.

The Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority and the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk, jointly organised a seminar on `The role of media in suicide prevention' at the institute.

Pegged on the World Health Organisation's theme this year, `Building awareness: reducing risks-mental illness and suicide', panellists discussed the positive and negative aspects of media coverage or portrayal of suicide.

T. Jacob, Special Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, said the reasons for suicide were multifactorial, and in its numbers at the level of a public health problem. He also highlighted the various activities of the District Mental Health Programme, and suggested the setting up of round-the-clock crisis intervention clinics in the districts to aid those feeling depressed or suicidal. S. Nambi, psychiatrist, IMH, said while stress factors exist for most people, only the vulnerable attempt suicide.

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