AIIMS Bibinagar Trains Students As “Gatekeepers” For Suicide Prevention
AIIMS Bibinagar trained MBBS and nursing students as suicide prevention “gatekeepers”, focusing on empathy, active listening and timely referral for professional help.
The department of psychiatry, in collaboration with the college of nursing at AIIMS Bibinagar, conducted “gatekeeper” training sessions for MBBS and nursing students as part of “suicide prevention week,” aimed at helping them identify and respond to people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
The training focused on active listening, empathy, supportive communication and non-judgmental engagement. Students were trained to initiate conversations sensitively, provide immediate emotional support and facilitate timely referral to professional services when required.
The programme was organised around the theme, “change the narrative” and included a series of activities to raise awareness about suicide prevention, encourage conversations on mental health and address stigma associated with seeking psychological support.
As part of the week-long programme, students participated in a collage-making competition, using illustrations, messages and slogans to highlight hope, emotional support, connectedness, resilience and the importance of seeking help.
A “wall of hope” was also created, where students and visitors wrote messages of encouragement and support on sticky notes. A skit presented situations involving emotional distress, warning signs, supportive responses from peers and family members, and the need for timely professional help.
The “gatekeeper” training aimed to create a network of informed students who could contribute to suicide prevention among their peers, families and communities.
The programme concluded with a valedictory ceremony attended by executive director Prof. Dr Amita Aggarwal and medical superintendent Dr Maheswar Lakkireddy, along with faculty members, healthcare professionals and students. Participants, who contributed to the activities and competitions, were acknowledged during the programme.
