Art of Living Sri Lanka to launch its national strategy for suicide prevention
The Art of Living Foundation in Sri Lanka is giving final touches to a coherent framework and strategy to launch its public campaign to prevent the unnecessary loss of life through suicide. While it has set out to give top priority to raise awareness to prevent suicide and deliberate self-harm (DSH) or attempted suicide in the island-nation, the Foundation has already been largely successful in preventing suicidal and DSH tendencies amongst over 1,500 people who voluntarily came forward to seek help confidentially in just the last three years. Several at-risk beneficiaries including war widows, executives, newly married couples, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender) and former LTTE combatants have sought relief and support.
Founded by His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the world renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader, the Art of Living in Sri Lanka has been in the forefront of trauma and stress relief programs. Says Vidyut Udiaver a teacher with the Foundation “ Stress and crisis encourage suicide. Breathing techniques are life-supporting in such situations. In a few cases, which may also require medical attention, we certainly refer them to qualified doctors. Most of those with suicidal tendencies ask that their case be handled with confidentiality which we anyways do because it makes them more comfortable which means half the battle is won for them. And we understand they are entitled to their right to privacy while they seek help to live longer”.
The National Institute of Mental Health in Sri Lanka states that each year several hundred commit suicide in Sri Lanka because of job loss, separations, severe mental conditions or sudden changes in a normal individual`s life. Suicide rate is approximately at 40/100,000 population today. While this number is alarming and a major cause of concern, the Art of Living Foundation believes that it is imperative to heighten awareness amongst the public that suicide is very much preventable when stress, anxiety and fears are released through simple yet effective breathing techniques. Mrs. Yasotha a trustee and teacher with the Foundation says “One of the benchmarks for success in our handling of the potentially suicidal individuals is the fact that most of them call us to say that miraculous progress is happening in their lives or some call to express their gratitude for the new lease of life they have got after doing the Art of Living program”.
A multi-dimensional and inclusive approach in the Art of Living is what makes its programs the most preferred in Sri Lanka for trauma and stress-relief, wellness, crisis handling and suicide prevention. Life-supporting processes that improve overall mental health both at the individual and societal or community level are rooted in the most popular hallmark techniques like the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique, guided meditations, yoga modules and satsung (music programs) which doubles-up as a unique healing therapy.
Some of the key highlights of the Art of Living`s national strategy for suicide prevention includes the friendly Gatekeeper Orientation Programs ( GOPA) in schools, universities, factories and corporate organizations wherein a few of the staff including human resource personnel would be trained to be friendly Gatekeepers or the first point of contact for potentially suicidal individuals in their organization. It has been found that in most cases people do not know whom to talk to and such individuals need an objective third party to talk to first. Further on they will be referred to the counselors at the Art of Living Foundation in Colombo.
The new national strategy plan on action also aims to work towards a strategic co-ordination with the Sri Lankan Police, UN organizations and other non-governmental organizations to broaden the scope of delivery. One of the high-points of the strategy is to launch a massive public education and awareness campaign which is on the creative drawing board now. Celebrities, hospitals and the leading media organizations are very keen on lending a helping hand to prevent the unnecessary loss of life through suicide.