Sign It Not To Make Suicide A Hereditary
**Breaking the Silence: Mandate Mental Health Education in Schools**
India, often referred to as the "Suicide Capital of the World," faces a silent epidemic that claims 1.71 lakh lives annually—each a story of unimaginable loss. Every three minutes, a life is lost to suicide, with 468 lives lost every day. Behind each statistic is a grieving family, an unanswered question: "Could this have been prevented?" [Read more about the petition here](change.org/p/india-the-suicide-capital-of-t..).
**The Urgent Need for Change**
Mental health issues are ravaging lives, families, and futures, yet they remain ignored, hidden under stigma and neglect. Of the 150 million Indians needing mental health care, only 30 million receive it. The rest fight battles alone in silence. [Find out more about the issue](change.org/p/india-the-suicide-capital-of-t..).
**A Call to Action**
In response to this crisis, Mr. Sree Krishna Seelam has initiated a petition titled "India: The Suicide Capital of the World - Mandate Mental Health Education in Schools." The petition urges the Supreme Court of India to make mental health education a compulsory subject in schools from the first standard. Early intervention is key. Imagine an India where children grow up understanding their emotions and building resilience, where families no longer suffer under the shadow of untreated mental illness, and where future crimes are prevented because mental health issues are addressed early. [Support the petition here](change.org/p/india-the-suicide-capital-of-t..).
**The Numbers That Demand Change**
- **Suicide Epidemic:** India's age-adjusted suicide rate is 21.1 per 100,000 population—the highest in the world. [Learn more about the statistics](change.org/p/india-the-suicide-capital-of-t..).
- **Economic Devastation:** Mental health issues are projected to cost the Indian economy USD 1.03 trillion by 2030 due to lost productivity. [Read more about the economic impact](change.org/p/india-the-suicide-capital-of-t..).
- **Treatment Gap:** 80% of those needing care remain untreated, battling in silence. [Learn about the treatment gap](change.org/p/india-the-suicide-capital-of-t..).
**How You Can Make a Difference**
The petition aims to gather 1 million signatures in 100 days before filing the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court. Your signature is not just ink on paper; it’s a powerful declaration of solidarity. Together, we can:
1. **Strengthen the PIL:** Show overwhelming public support, compelling the Supreme Court to act with urgency.
2. **Raise Awareness:** Spark conversations about mental health, breaking the stigma and inspiring systemic change.
3. **Drive a Movement:** Unite educators, advocates, and citizens to create a nation where mental health is prioritised for all.
**Our Collective Mission**
The petition seeks to achieve:
1. **Mandatory Mental Health Education:** Equip every child with emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms.
2. **Early Intervention:** Address mental health issues before they escalate.
3. **Prevent Future Crises:** Reduce suicide rates, alleviate families’ suffering, and mitigate the financial toll of untreated mental illness.
4. **Global Leadership:** Position India as a trailblazer in mental health advocacy, setting an example for the world.
**What You Can Do Today**
- **Sign the Petition:** Add your voice to the call for mandatory mental health education in schools. [Sign the petition here](change.org/p/india-the-suicide-capital-of-t..).
- **Share the Petition:** Spread the word through social media, emails, and word of mouth.
- **Engage in Conversations:** Talk about mental health openly to reduce stigma and encourage others to join the movement.
**Conclusion**
Mental health is not just an individual concern; it is a societal imperative. By supporting this petition, you are contributing to a future where mental health is prioritised, and lives are saved. Together, we can break the silence and build a compassionate, emotionally intelligent generation. [For more information and to sign the petition, visit here](change.org/p/india-the-suicide-capital-of-t..).