Project SURAKSHA - A Collaborative Initiative of NIMHANS, Government of Karnataka, and Himalaya Wellness Company

Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. There is an urgent need to create discourse and spread awareness on suicide prevention. To improve access to mental health support, Himalaya Wellness Company in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) along with the Government of Karnataka, developed and indigenized a pilot model framework for suicide prevention research and surveillance in the districts of Karnataka. The initiative is in line with “LIVE LIFE,” WHO’s framework and approach for suicide prevention.

Titled SURveillance system to trAcK suicide and Self-HArm: SURAKSHA - A Community-Based Suicide Prevention Model, this program assesses the feasibility and acceptability of community-based suicide prevention programs and their cost-effectiveness across varied nodal stakeholder groups involving farmers, laborers, daily wage workers, student communities, media professionals, and women groups. It also establishes a cohort for future longitudinal studies to repeatedly examine the same individuals to detect any changes that might occur over a period.

The initial focus of Project SURAKSHA is the Channapatna taluk of Ramanagara district. It involves implementing a comprehensive surveillance system across 32 panchayats to provide early identification, crisis intervention, and a referral system for mental health support within the community.

Addressing a Critical Need

With close to a million suicide deaths annually worldwide, suicide is a serious public health concern. Particularly in Karnataka, there has been an alarming rise in the suicide rate. The state reported 13,606 suicides, a 4.2% rise from the year before and 8% of all suicides in India, according to the National Crime Report Bureau (NCRB) report of 2022. Karnataka urgently needs comprehensive intervention, as the state has a suicide rate of 20.2%, which is much higher than the 12.4% national average.

Community and Government Collaboration

Suicide is complicated, therefore a multimodal strategy is essential. Project SURAKSHA prioritizes collaboration among different sectors of society for suicide prevention. The Community-based Surveillance Teams (CBST) established across the panchayats are at the heart of the project. These teams include ASHA workers, Anganwadi teachers, panchayat members, and volunteers who receive specialized training. Acting as gatekeepers, they carefully monitor and respond to emerging suicide risks and protective factors within their communities.

Since its inception, this project has involved over 15,000 individuals in Channapatna through awareness campaigns and direct interventions. More than 350 ASHA workers have been trained under the gatekeeper’s program, strengthening community resilience against suicide. Additionally, initiatives such as the Brief Intervention for Self-Harm and Suicidality (BISS) and school-based mental health awareness programs have further enhanced the initiative's impact.

In the district hospital and PHCs (Primary Health Centres) where cases of suicide are reported, the Project SURAKSHA team provides Brief Intervention for Self-Harm and Suicidality (BISS) training. Over 300 cases have been addressed through BISS, and the team continues to interact with survivors and their families to reduce suicide intent and future attempts. School-based mental health awareness interventions are also implemented to educate youth and children about warning signs and response methodologies. The toll-free number established as part of this project provides counselling and support to the communities. Students who underwent counselling programs prior to their examinations have reported increased confidence and reduced fears.

Impact created by Project SURAKSHA

In Channapatna taluk, Project SURAKSHA has already begun to show its impact. Early detection and crisis intervention techniques have enabled timely assistance, potentially saving lives. The community's increased awareness and openness about mental health issues mark a significant shift, reducing stigma and encouraging more individuals to seek help.

Apart from that, Project SURAKSHA was featured at the Mental Health Santhe, an event promoting mental wellness, at the NIMHANS campus. It received significant attention and praise for its role in raising awareness and sparking conversations on suicide prevention. Under Project SURAKSHA, a national short film competition themed "Creating Hope through Action" on suicide prevention attracted 291 entries. The top 10 films were screened at a special event held at the NIMHANS Convention Centre, attended by experts from the fields of filmmaking and mental wellness. A two-day workshop titled "Lights, Camera, Hope: Suicide Prevention through Film" was conducted for the filmmakers of the top 10 entries. The workshop sensitized participants on mental well-being and suicide. Additionally, this project has been training media professionals to practice responsible journalism on suicide-related news pieces.

Project SURAKSHA draws strength from the expertise of NIMHANS, the support of the Karnataka Government, and the committed involvement of Himalaya Wellness Company. As the project progresses, SURAKSHA stands poised to enrich communities, nurture a culture of mental wellness, and ultimately, save lives.