New App Aims to Save Lives: Helping Students Fight Suicidal Thoughts
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu):On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi launched an AI-based mental health and wellness program 'Never Alone'. Its aim is to prevent students from committing suicide and increase awareness about mental health.
Dr Nand Kumar, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Delhi, said that the program focuses on screening, intervention and post-intervention follow-up for students of colleges and universities. The app has been launched at AIIMS Delhi as well as AIIMS Bhubaneswar and IHBAS Shahdara. According to Dr Nand Kumar, 'Never Alone' is a web-based application, which can also be accessed through WhatsApp. Students will be able to avail 24x7 virtual and offline counseling services from mental health experts. The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Global Center of Integrative Health (JCIH), which is supported by AIIMS Delhi alumnus Dr Deepak Chopra.
He said that through this app, basic screening of mental health is possible at a cost of only 70 paise per student per day. If an institute has 5,000 students, they can subscribe to this service by contacting AIIMS Delhi. Dr. Kumar said, "Suicide is a global problem and can be prevented to a large extent. But, the biggest problem is lack of treatment and stigma.
About 70 to 80 percent of people suffering from mental health problems do not seek treatment. The main reason for this is lack of awareness and the stigma associated with mental illness in society." He emphasized, "Many times the decision to commit suicide is taken suddenly in a crisis situation, when a person is facing problems like financial problems, tension in relationships or any serious illness." Now, through this new app, the youth will get guidance and will also know that problems are in everyone's life, it is very easy to deal with it and live happily.