{
  "id": 6630388,
  "title": "A wake-up call to keep the mind hale and hearty",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/a-wake-up-call-to-keep-the-mind-hale-and-hearty",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T19:36:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/a-wake-up-call-to-keep-the-mind-hale-and-hearty/article71451959.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant issue in Keralam, despite the country having far fewer suicide rates than the nation as a whole. According to the National Crime Records Bureau's 2024 data, Kerala saw 10,865 suicides, a rate of 30.2 per one lakh population, compared to the national rate of 12.2. This disparity highlights the need for increased awareness and open conversations about mental health in the region. To address this, the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) in Keralam launched the 'Susmitham – Mind Your Mind, Mental Health Matters' campaign on World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day. Led by Health Minister K. Muraleedharan and IPS president T. Sagar, the campaign aims to normalise discussions around mental well-being and reduce the stigma that often deters people from seeking professional help. The initiative focuses on three key areas: building community resilience, dispelling stigma and silence, and suicide prevention through recognising distress signals and responding appropriately. To facilitate this, the campaign will utilise accessible communication through various media platforms, including print, digital, and social media. Additionally, a YouTube channel featuring candid conversations with mental health professionals and personal stories will be developed to challenge prejudices and provide accessible coping strategies. While destigmatisation is crucial, suicide prevention requires clear protocols, such as knowing when to contact the national mental health helpline, Tele MANAS, available 24/7 for free mental wellness support and counselling. The state already has primary care infrastructure for mental health support, which will be expanded through the campaign's efforts.",
  "summary": "On World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, the Keralam chapter of the Indian Psychiatric Society launched ‘Susmitham – Mind Your Mind, Mental Health Matters’, a campaign aimed at making mental health conversations more open so that the stigma around mental health that prevents people from seeking timely professional help is dispelled",
  "key_points": [
    "Kerala's suicide rate 30.2 per 100,000 population, lower than national 12.2",
    "Indian Psychiatric Society launches 'Susmitham – Mind Your Mind' campaign",
    "Campaign focuses on community resilience, stigma reduction, and suicide prevention"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}