Building Hope, One Conversation at a Time: Suicide Prevention Awareness at RIC – Department of Psychology

Trigger Warning: This article discusses topics related to suicide and mental health, which may be sensitive or triggering for some readers. Please take care while reading and seek support if needed.

At the Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC), we believe education should go beyond textbooks — it should empower students to make a real difference in the world around them. This commitment came to life through a recent Awareness Campaign on Suicide Prevention, conducted in collaboration with HBL – Hearing Begins with Listening, an inspiring youth-led initiative dedicated to improving mental health in society.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among teenagers and young adults globally. In Sri Lanka, rising rates of youth mental health struggles highlight the urgent need for proactive conversations, early intervention, and community support. Through this campaign, our goal was to create safe spaces for open dialogue, awareness, and practical coping strategies for both teenagers and students.

What made this initiative truly special was its student-centered approach. This hands-on experience didn’t just provide them with community service exposure; it directly connected their academic learning to real-world application, enhancing their understanding of suicide risk factors, protective factors, and effective prevention strategies.

From identifying early warning signs to promoting supportive peer networks, the sessions empowered participants with tools to foster a culture of empathy and care. For our undergraduates, it was an opportunity to develop core professional skills — such as, psychoeducation, and trauma-informed communication — all while making a meaningful contribution to society.

At RIC, knowledge-sharing is more than a classroom activity — it’s a mission. We are proud to nurture a generation of psychology students who are not only academically competent but socially responsible. Collaborating with HBL highlighted the power of youth-led activism in changing narratives around mental health.

💙 Together, we can build a future where mental health is prioritized, stigma is challenged, and every young person feels heard and valued.