World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 – Changing the Narrative
A Public Outreach Talk by Dr. S. Gopinath, Consultant Psychiatrist, Chennai Mind Centre, Madipakkam
On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, Dr. S. Gopinath delivered a thought‑provoking outreach talk at a partner centre in Chennai, focusing on the pressing need to recognize suicide as a public health challenge and a preventable tragedy.
Suicide today is not just an individual crisis but a societal issue. According to global data from the World Health Organization, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 30 years, and across nations it consistently ranks among the top causes of mortality. In India, the NCRB 2022 report revealed a suicide rate of 12.4 per lakh population, which translates to one precious life lost every three minutes. The picture is particularly concerning in Tamil Nadu, where the rate rises to 22–26 per lakh, almost double the national average. Chennai itself registers about 26 per lakh, among the highest urban rates in the country.
While these figures are alarming, Dr. Gopinath emphasized that statistics should not only shock us—they should move us to action. Behind every number lies a human story of struggle, silence, and stigma. Suicide is not about personal weakness, but about unbearable distress that can be addressed with timely support and open conversations.
The central theme of this year’s initiative is clear: “Change the Narrative.”
- Replace silence with conversation.
- Replace stigma with understanding.
- Replace hopelessness with hope.
Dr. Gopinath urged families, schools, communities, and workplaces to recognize the warning signs, listen without judgment, and encourage professional help. He reminded the public that talking about suicide does not encourage it—it saves lives. Compassionate listening, timely intervention, and collective awareness are the keys to breaking the cycle of silence.
He concluded with a message of urgent hope: “Every three minutes, we lose a soul. Every moment, we have the power to save one. Together, let us change the narrative around suicide.”
This outreach programme reflects the commitment of Chennai Mind Centre, Madipakkam, to proactive community engagement, awareness building, and suicide prevention. The Centre continues to carry forward its mission of promoting mental health and resilience across Chennai.
#ChangeTheNarrative #TalkSaveLives #ChennaiMindCentre #WorldSuicidePreventionDay2025 #EndTheSilence
