On World Suicide Prevention Day, Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala organised special seminar
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ September 10,2025
The Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, observed World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September 2025 at Senate Hall, Punjabi University, Patiala. The event was held under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Start the Conversations”and was organised by Prof. Damanjit Sandhu, Head of the Psychology Department, Punjabi University who stressed the responsibility of academic institutions in nurturing mental health awareness and providing platforms for meaningful conversations for suicide prevention.
The event was graced by the eminent resource persons including Dr. Kiranjot Uppal (SMO, Ghanaur), Dr. Sukhtej Sahni (Consultant Psychiatrist), Dr. Regina Maini (SMO, Punjabi University, Patiala), Dr. Palak Upadhyay (Clinical Psychologist, DMC&H, Ludhiana).
The experts and academicians stressed on raising awareness about suicide prevention, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and encouraging open dialogue over the issue. The Presidential Address was delivered by Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala,who emphasized the importance of reaching out to counsellors and mental health experts during emotional distress, stressing that feelings of utter hopelessness must be reduced and addressed through timely support and open communication.
Dr. Regina Maini emphasized the close link between physical and mental health, noting the benefits of hydration, exercise and healthy routines. She highlighted the role of emotional Intelligence in managing emotions and relationships, the importance of pausing to think before acting, and the urgent need to overcome stigma and taboos surrounding mental health.Dr. Sukhtej Saini emphasized the importance of assessing psychological pain, noting that suicide often occurs when individuals feel that nothing else works. Highlighting issues such as existential crisis, he urged people to be attentive to warning signs like social withdrawal and hopelessness. He further stressed that professionals should not shy away from using the word ‘suicide’ and its means, rather, once rapport is built, addressing it directly can make clients feel supported and understood.
Dr. Kiranjit Uppal observed that everyone faces their own shares of struggles, but what truly matters are changing one’s perception. She emphasized the importance of focusing on the blessings rather than dwelling on the shortcomings, and encouraged adopting a healthy lifestyle as a means to strengthen overall well-being. Dr. Palak Upadhyay, a proud alumna of Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, described suicide as a universal problem and shed light on unconventional signs, symptoms and the myths to look for and alter. She truly enriched the session by sharing her clinical insights. She also cautioned against relying on Artificial Intelligence as a replacement for therapy.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Sangeeta Trama who thanked the distinguished speakers and participants, and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness and well-being. The event was attended by over 200 students from various departments of University and faculty members including Prof. Harprit Kaur, Prof.Tarika Sandhu, Dr. Sukhminder Kaur, Dr.Inderpreet Sandhu, Dr. Kamalpreet Sohi, and Dr. Kewal Krishan.
