On the account of its 20th anniversary, Connecting Trust, an NGO working towards the cause of suicide prevention and mental health is holding a 3 day international conference ‘Fresh Perspectives on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health’ from 28th to 30th November at Tarawade Clarks Inn, Pune. The conference designed for mental health professionals, volunteers, social workers, students and NGOs will focus on open dialogue, shared insight and collective action in suicide prevention. Notable mental health professionals at national and international level will bring forth diverse perspectives, from mental health and suicide prevention to lived experiences, youth, education and community work. Speaking about the complex nature of suicide and the need for deeper societal connection at a press conference, Co-managing Trustee Sandy Andrade explained how distress builds long before a crisis becomes visible, “There is no one specific reason for suicide, the thoughts start much earlier. What we often see, like family issues or exam stress, is only the tipping point.” She said that support systems are essential as they help people build resilience. Story continues …