Across primary health centres and community spaces in Kashmir, MSF’s health promotion and mental health teams marked World Suicide Prevention Day through a range of local awareness activities focused on connection, listening, and support.

The activities included community awareness booths, mental health corners, myths-and-facts discussions, poster-making, and group sessions designed to encourage dialogue around emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention. Through simple and accessible messages such as “Stop. Listen. Reach Out.” and “There is always hope,” the team aimed to reduce stigma and help people better understand the importance of seeking support.

MSF staff also integrated mental health awareness into existing community activities, including nutrition sessions and psychosocial engagement with women and children. Creative approaches such as art-based activities and informal conversations helped create safe spaces for people to reflect, connect, and speak more openly about mental health.

These efforts reflect MSF’s commitment to community-based mental health care and to reinforcing the message that there is no health without mental health.