Space to heal: BUHSC hosts panel on suicide prevention
On September 6th, Brac University Health and Safety Club (BUHSC) hosted an enlightening panel discussion titled “Starting the Conversation about Suicide” at the lecture theatre on emotional distress and understanding mental health. The event was graced by prominent figures, Dr David Dowland (Registrar, BRACU), Dr Rubana Ahmed (Proctor, BRACU), Dr Salina Akhtar Banu (Medical Consultant, Brac University Medical Centre), Md Sajedul Kareem (Director of Operations, BRACU), Dr Mehtab Khanam (Professor, University of Dhaka) and other officials and faculty members.
Photo credit: Collected
During the discussion, Dr Dowland (Registrar, BRACU) shared, “ COVID-19, the July uprising, and the constant pull of social media have worn students down.” He also warned, “AI often validates pain instead of questioning it.” Dr Banu (Medical Consultant, BRACU Medical Centre) said, “Minds and bodies are never truly separate.” She also added, “We don’t treat diseases; we care for people.”
Photo credit: Collected
Besides the engaging panel discussion, in a quiet, reflective pause, students wrote their regrets on sticky notes as a segment of the event. Sheikh Roushan Walid (Sophomore, BBS) remarked, “Asking for help early can save a life.”
Photo credit: Collected
Professor Khanam reminded, “A cry for help is rarely loud, and families are often the first ones to notice.” Ayesha Seddiqa (Counsellor, Counselling & Wellness Centre) explained, “ Sadness and depression are different.”, and introduced the Peer Support Group.
Dr Rubana (Proctor, BRACU) closed with a plea for kindness, “ No harsh words, no exposing someone’s pain online, just space for people to heal.”
The discussion ended with an informative question-and-answer session with students asking thoughtful questions on the topic.
