Suicide is a major public health problem that affects many people, especially the youth. 358 suicide deaths among medical students, residents and physicians were reported between 2010 and 2019, according to a study. Many students in the state with the most suicides in India, Andhra Pradesh, can’t handle the pressure of academic life, financial problems, family problems and mental anguish.
To solve this problem, a group of NRI doctors from the United States have initiated an Emotional Assessment of Students by Educators (EASE) program to prevent student suicides. The program trains medical educators and counsellors how to identify and to provide assistance to students who are potential suicide victims. The program also offers online resources and tools for students and parents to help them deal with pressures and suicidal thoughts.
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Dr. Reddy said he was inspired by his daughter’s enthusiasm for life and wanted to help others discover what they were meant to do. He hopes that his program will raise the awareness and concern of medical educators and students about the value of mental health. He also declared that he intends to open a state-of-the-art SEIF Psychological Research and Counselling Centre for all in Guntur, with well equipped facilities and an able team of psychologists and psychiatrists.
The EASE program is another step toward SEIF’s goal of relieving suicidal desperation among the young through dialogue and helping them to shake off suicidal thoughts. They also organize ground educational programs in various parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at regular intervals, on topics such as stress management, self-care, resilience building, emotional intelligence and suicide prevention.
