Suicide Prevention and Gatekeeping

The Student Welfare Group (SWG) in association with the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, conducted a talk on “Suicide Prevention and Gatekeeping” on 04 April 2025, for all the students selected as peer mentors. Dr Lavina Noronha, Ave Maria Palliative Care and Ms Usha Rao, Edu-Consultant, were the resource person. 80 students attended the workshop.

Event Summary:

The Student Welfare Group (SWG) in association with the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, conducted a talk on “Suicide Prevention and Gatekeeping” on April 4, 2025 in Spoorthi Hall, AB-III from 9:30AM to 4:30PM for all the students selected as Peer mentors. The Resource persons were Dr Lavina Noronha, Ave Maria Palliative Care and Ms Usha Rao, Edu-Consultant. 

The inaugural ceremony began in Spoorthi Hall with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the nurturing of values. Dr. Sridevi Saralaya, Head of the Department of CSE, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and participants, setting the tone for an informative and inspiring session. Ms. Sabrina Hehar and Ms. Sonal Saldanha, students from the sixth semester, served as the Masters of Ceremony.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Lavina M Noronha, Director of Ave Maria Palliative Care, Mangaluru, addressed the gathering on the significance of reducing the stigma surrounding the term “suicide” and fostering open, supportive conversations. She also highlighted the role of students as Gatekeepers in identifying and supporting individuals at risk of suicide.

Dr. Rio D’Souza, Principal of SJEC and Guest of Honour for the program, shed light on the challenges students encounter and stressed the importance of seeking help during times of difficulty. He highlighted the necessity of incorporating a human-centered approach in mentoring, which aligns with modern educational techniques, to better understand and enhance the students’ learning experience.

Rev. Fr. Wilfred Prakash Dsouza, Director of SJEC, presided over the function and, in his presidential address, emphasized the pivotal role of educators in fostering an environment that promotes continuous growth and excellence among students. He also highlighted the significance of initiatives such as Suicide Prevention and Gatekeeping, advocating for a proactive approach to safeguarding students' mental health and overall well-being.

Dean- Student Welfare, Dr Ramananda H.S. along with the heads of departments, faculty and around 65 participants also graced the event, adding their valuable presence to the occasion and supporting the program's goals. The program wrapped up with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Saumya Y M, Associate Professor in the Department of CSE and Chairperson of SWG. She conveyed deep appreciation to the dignitaries for their invaluable contributions and support, acknowledged the participants for their active involvement, and commended the organizers for their thorough and dedicated efforts. Two lifeline observers Ms Manisha Suvarna , Ms Vani Ummakka were also a part of the session.

Forenoon Session: 

The Session began with the distribution of the Suicide knowledge questionnaires to the students where they had to fill the answers and submit them back. This was followed the introduction of the term “Suicide” and its dictionary meaning. The session continued with the discussion of different scenarios of suicidal attempt. This was followed by the discussion of SLAP (Specificity, Lethality, Availability, Proximity) concept. 

The student participants along with faculty attending the session were divided into groups. Each group was presented with different case scenarios. The group had to discuss and bring out their analysis of the scenario. Analysis was based on the problems faced, emotions and possible way of helping in such scenarios as gatekeepers. The importance of Gatekeepers was emphasized.

Afternoon Session: 

The session opened with a warm-up activity where students formed a large circle while a song was played to set a positive tone for the day. This was followed by an insightful discussion on Psychiatric Diagnosis and suicide, featuring the concept of a suicide loop. At each stage of the loop, the critical role of Gatekeepers in recognizing suicidal signs and intervening was emphasized. 

Students were provided with an activity sheet to reflect on their personal stressors, the impact of stress, and strategies to cope effectively. Dr. Lavina introduced the concept of Cognitive Diversion, highlighting how it can aid individuals in overcoming feelings of sadness. Participants were then encouraged to create a "Hope Kit," which included items and practices that could help them navigate through moments of emotional distress. The session concluded with a meaningful ceremony, where students lit candles and took an oath to serve as dedicated Gatekeepers, committed to supporting those in need and promoting mental health awareness.

During the valedictory function, Ms. Supreetha DR served as the Master of Ceremonies, ensuring a smooth and engaging conclusion to the event. Participants shared their feedback, reflecting on the key insights and lessons they gained from the session. As a gesture of gratitude and recognition, Dr. Lavina M Noronha, the resource person, was presented with a memento and a letter of appreciation by Dr. Sridevi Saralaya, Head of the Department of CSE. Ms. Usha Rao, the resource person, received a memento and a letter of appreciation from Dr. Ramananda HS, Dean of Student Welfare, SJEC, as a token of gratitude. Ms. Manisha Suvarna, a lifeline observer, was similarly honored with a memento and letter of appreciation, presented by Dr. Saumya Y M from the Department of CSE. Additionally, Ms. Vani Ummakka, another lifeline observer, was presented with a memento and letter of appreciation by Ms. Vijayalaxmi H M from the Department of ECE. The session concluded on a cheerful note with a group photo featuring the resource persons, participants, and organizing team.

Event Outcomes:

Students gained valuable awareness about their role as Gatekeepers, learning how they can actively contribute to the well-being and mental health support of their peers. They also developed critical skills to recognize warning signs and provide timely assistance to individuals in need.

PO/PSOs targeted through this event:

PO6: The Engineer and The World: 

PO11: Life-Long Learning