Suicide Intervention: British, Punjabi Sikh Women - A Holistic Approach
An insightful journey into suicidology. This report presents a range of suicide
interventions from a hybrid of online and in-person global research
Emerging Themes
Theme 1. Self-harm and Stages of Suicide Ideation
Theme 2. Psychological First Aid and Selfcare Plans
Theme 3. The Importance of a Holistic Childhood
Theme 4. Post-Immigration Care
Theme 5. Connecting Globally: A Gender Issue
Who is the project primarily about?
British, Punjabi Sikh women and girls and diaspora communities. Post-war and modern immigration has impacted on the healthcare priorities of this demographic as they focus on social integration, becoming home-makers and caregivers, income earners and as skilled workers. Undertaking education in the UK is common for Punjabi Sikh international students and their interactions with mental health support services was of interest to understand their experiences of interventions.
Where did I travel to for investigation?
The State of Punjab, New Delhi, Bengaluru in Karnataka State India and Vancouver, Surrey British Colombia, Canada (online). Five weeks of in-person travel meeting and interviewing research academics, journalists, sports therapists, homeopaths, senior citizens, homemakers, people with lived experience of loss from suicide and locals who use psychiatry and clinical healthcare services in addition to traditional holistic and alternative therapies.
How do we move forward with new ideas?
Revise data collection methods of communities who have been affected by suicide in the UK. Devise strategies for suicide prevention and intervention with postvention support for Punjabi Sikh communities. Deliver gatekeeping training in local community settings using familiar language . Involve people in using technology to discuss ideation and to reach marginalised groups. Focus on customised healing solutions for affected individuals.
the CHURCHILL fellowship
Suicide Intervention: British, Punjabi Sikh Women A Holistic approach
Bengaluru
Bengaluru is a fast growing megacity currently rated as the third most populous city in India with over 8.5 million people. It houses one of the best hospitals of neurosurgeons and psychiatrists in India, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). One of India’s first organisations dedicated to preventing suicide and providing gatekeeper training,
Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF) .
New Delhi
New Delhi is a capital city hosting a hub of holistic healers and traditional therapists hidden in residential sectors and blocks. Comparatively, the rise of the youth generation in Delhi surges youth-led missions forward with support from established enterprising organisations. The Outlive Suicide Prevention Programme is pioneering in its youth-led consultations, advocacy efforts, online support networks and student based engagement.
Punjab State
Historically recognised for having one of the highest suicide rates in India affecting farming communities, students and marginalised groups. The ardent relationship between the farmland and the Punjabis instigates the use of home remedies in maintaining good health. Homeopathic and herbal remedies precede allopathic medicine and are a popular and cost effective choice of treatment.
Canada
Major West coast cities such as Vancouver and suburban Surrey BC feature thriving Punjabi Sikh communities unafraid of expressing their innate bravery towards alike societal values of e galitarianism, i ndividualism and community . Sikh led non-profit organisations such as the South Asian Mental Health Alliance (SAMHAA) stand strong in tackling imported and domestic social problems of addiction, ideation, violence, economic hardship, exploitation, isolation and abuse.
Irrespective of their origin, personal or historical wounds do not simply heal, but rather bring their scars or residues in the present.
Ionescu and Margaroni (Arts of Healing, 2020)
