DANUSKA DA GAMA
Goa might be synonymous with beaches, a vibrant nightlife and a laid-back lifestyle, but there is a sad reality beneath its picturesque facade.
“The state of Goa grapples with a suicide rate significantly higher than the national average, reflecting a broader crisis that plagues India,” says director of COOJ Mental Health Foundation, Dr Peter Castelino.
It is not even a week since a police constable took his own life due to harassment and a love affair gone sour. This incident, and the several others in Goa, highlight the need for access to mental health and counselling. It’s time to come together and be part of the solution to curb suicides.
“Last year alone, nearly 1,70,000 people in India took their own lives, accounting for 17 per cent of global suicides,” says Castelino. Among these, approximately 13,000 were students, highlighting the urgent need for multifaceted intervention.
In 2023, in Goa 333 persons committed suicide. This indicates that in the state there is close to suicide a day as per police records, which is alarming.
In 2023, in Goa 333 persons committed suicide. This indicates that in the state there is close to suicide a day as per police records, which is alarming.
And thus, to curb suicides and to offer hope when someone is contemplating the drastic step, COOJ is seeking volunteers who can be first responders on their helpline, reply to distress emails, answer calls and is someone who can commit to four hours a week.
“One doesn’t need to be a professional as there will be all the necessary training provided in active listening,” the psychiatrist shares. A five-day training will be conducted at COOJ Mental Health Foundation in Bastora from November 20 to 24.
“Suicide is rarely a matter of personal choice; it is a complex issue influenced by various factors. Recognising this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined several preventive measures, with helplines being a proven method of providing immediate support,” explains Castelino.
These helplines offer a safe, confidential space for individuals to express their deepest thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or ridicule.
These helplines offer a safe, confidential space for individuals to express their deepest thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or ridicule.
In Goa, the COOJ helpline, affiliated with Befrienders Worldwide and Befrienders India, stands as a beacon of hope. “The helpline operates on stringent guidelines emphasising empathy, non-judgmental, non-advisory, honest, respectful and anonymous communication. Volunteers need no prior training but must possess qualities like being accepting and non-judgmental,” says Castelino.
Volunteers will be screened for their way of thinking, their style of communication, their ability to connect with people and having an open mind towards life and people.
“Once we select people, they will go through the mindfulness-based training, and after supervision and having a mentor, they will answer calls on the helpline,” Castelino shares. This can be a positive way for people to come forward to reduce the number of suicide cases.
Volunteering at the helpline not only provides crucial support to those in crisis but enriches the volunteer’s experience, offering a deeper connection to the local community and a sense of purpose.
Volunteering at the helpline not only provides crucial support to those in crisis but enriches the volunteer’s experience, offering a deeper connection to the local community and a sense of purpose.
The act of volunteering can add a layer of depth to one’s life, leaving a positive impact, fostering a sense of solidarity and hope.
So, if you think you could do something to reduce the suicide numbers, take a leap of faith, for you could be the lifeline someone desperately needs.
For details about volunteering call: 9822988851
(When in distress call COOJ Helpline 6361612525 from Monday to Friday between 1pm and 7pm)