Regular exercise, balanced diet prevents stress, suicide

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) Regular exercise and a balanced diet could play a vital role in prevention of depression and managing stress which is a major cause of suicides in the country, according to experts.

In a booklet on 'Building Awarness--Reducing Risk: Mental Illness and suicide' released to mark the World Mental Health day, Senior Psychiatrists Dr S N Deshpande and Dr S N Pandey of the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital said support, vigilance and early treatment of psychological distress and mental illness could go a long way in preventing suicides.

They said that students have increased risks of suicides and it was the second leading cause of deaths after accidents. Males attempt less than females but use more lethal means. But threats from women should never be taken lightly.

To prevent stress among students, they should have fixed, regular study hours the whole year round, sleep well, do yoga/exercise daily and pray for five to ten minutes daily. Moreover, they should not be over ambitious and learn to accept the realities of life and work for betterment, they adviced.

Meanwhile, a number of awareness campaigns were organised today to promote psychological well being, improvement in mental health care services and advocacy and education about prevention of mental illness.

The doctors of the R M L hospital also organised a walk from the hospital to India Gate in which people from all walks of life participated in support of mentally ill persons. An awareness and Contact programme was held in the General Out-patients Department.

Moreover, a pledge to make every day a Mental Health Day was also taken by doctors with an aim to create awareness about these disease and strive for social acceptance of mentally ill persons and make them economically productive.

UNI AJ YA HT1937