Page 26 - The Indian EYE 091622

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 | The Indian Eye 26

AAPI Observes World Suicide Prevention Day,

Educating Members on Causes and Ways

to Prevent Suicide

OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL
bserving World Suicide Pre-
vention Day, American As-
Osociation of Physicians of In-
dian Origin (AAPI) organized a live
online seminar on “Treating Depres-
sion in Children and Adolescents in
Primary Care” on September 10th,
2022. Attended by a record number
of physicians from around the na-
tion, the online seminar was led by
Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI
and a Board-Certified Psychiatrist
from Pittsburgh, PA.

Dr. Kolli set the context for the
Webinar, by drawing the atten-
tion of the AAPI members to the
prevalence of suicidality among

people of all walks across the
United States. “Nationally in
2020, there was approximate-
ly one death by suicide every
11 minutes. In the same year,
for people aged 10–14 and

25–34 years, suicide was the
second leading cause of death.
From April 2020 to 2021 over
100,000 people died of drug
overdose alone,” Dr. Kolli said. leading cause of death. launch of Emergency Suicide Pre- cide through active counseling and
“By drawing attention to the vention Number, 988, transitioning support. It is time we empowered
“Over 44,000 people die by sui- problem of suicide in the United from 1-800-273-TALK to 988,” Dr. others to be in charge of their lives
cide annually. As many as 123 peo- States, the suicide prevention cam- Kolli pointed out. Dr. Kolli educated and value the one life they have.”
ple die by suicide every day. Over 1.3 paign also strives to reduce the stig- the participants on ways to respond In her eloquent and compre-
million people attempt suicide each ma surrounding the topic, as well to crisis and talked about the impact hensive presentation on “Treating
year, and suicide is the 10th leading as encourage the pursuit of mental from “Reaction vs. Response.” Depression in Children and Adoles-
cause of death for all age groups,” health assistance and support peo- Dr. Malti Mehta, a member of cents in Primary Care” Dr. Aparna
Dr. Kolli pointed out. ple who have attempted suicide,” AAPI BOD and a moderator of the Vuppala, Medical Director, SPEAK
Mental health issues like de- Dr. Kolli, a board-certified psychia- session, stressed the importance of project of HHF -Huntsville Hos-
pression are known to be the leading trist told the AAPI members. “With understanding how from inception pital Foundation and a Psychiatrist
cause for attempting suicide. Suicide the objective of strengthening and onwards, the family dynamics con- from Huntsville, AL educated the
often occurs in a moment of unbear- expanding the Lifeline infrastruc- tributes to depression and suicidality audience on: the prevalence of sui-
able pain or deep despair. Millions ture to respond to crisis calls, texts, among children, especially among cide in children; Criteria for depres-
of Americans consider suicide, make and chats anytime and establishing children of Indian heritage. “Let sive disorders in children; Etiology
a suicide plan, or attempt suicide a system that provides more oppor- us work together with our family, and stressors worsening depression;
every year - especially young Amer- tunities for crisis service, the Federal friends, healthcare workers, religious Screening u Differential Diagnosis
icans for whom suicide is the second Government has initiated the soft and political leaders to prevent sui- and comorbidity; Suicide prevention

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