KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 11

Life Mantra, a mental health related organisation, organised a rally at Boudha in conjunction with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City-6 on Tuesday to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". Students donned in school uniforms from Mahendra Boudha Secondary School, Janakalyan Secondary School, Lord Buddha Secondary School and Kumar Boarding School took part in the programme.

On the occasion, they chanted slogans like "Break the stigma, There is help, There is hope, Don't suffer in silence, Your voice can heal, Let's create hope, Prevent suicide, Suicide is not an option and Create hope, Save lives among others.

During the corner assembly held at the Mahendra Boudha Secondary School, KMC-6 Chairman Bhuwan Lama said that when the expectations do not match the reality, people start suffering from non-communicable diseases like frustration and depression which can lead them to commit suicide.

"The incidents of suicide are increasing day by day. But people were not born to commit suicide. We should help each other. We were born to change society and to ensure the rights of every person," he said.

The World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 every year to spread awareness about suicide prevention. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally.

The theme aims to raise awareness about reducing stigma and encourage open conversations to prevent suicides. According to WHO, "Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support."