The unfortunate demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput has rekindled the discussion on mental health and depression in India and has underscored the importance of openly discussing mental health issues.
The frenetic pace of life today is overwhelming for most of us. Further, the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and the lack of social contact is also increasing loneliness in many, causing a mental health crisis across the world.
However, one must remember that help is always available: it is only a call away. And one must know that suicide is not the solution.
In this article, we share a list of suicide helplines in India that provide confidential support to the distressed, depressed, and the suicidal.
Helpline Number: 040-6620 2000, 040-6620 2001
Timings: Monday to Saturday | 11am to 9pm
Email: roshnihelp@gmail.com
Roshni is a Hyderabad-based organization that believes that suicide is not a wish to die but a cry for help. The helpline is generally open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 9pm. However, during these tough times of the pandemic, the helpline is also open on Sundays to help as many people as possible. Volunteers can speak in English, Hindi, and Telugu.
Helpline Number: +91-98204 66726
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day
Aasra is a free and confidential helpline answered by volunteers that are professionally trained. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Volunteers can converse in English and Hindi.
Helpline Number: 080-2572 2573
Timings: Monday to Saturday | 10am to 2pm
Email: share@mitramfoundation.org
Mitram is a Bangalore-based organization that provides confidential, unconditional, and non-judgmental emotional support in times of crisis.
Helpline Number: 022-2552 1111
Timings: Monday to Saturday | 8am to 10pm
Email: icall@tiss.edu
Run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, iCALL is an email and telephone based helpline run by trained mental health professionals. It offers support to individuals in emotional and psychological distress, across age, language, gender, and sexual orientation.
Helpline Number: +91-76766 02602
Timings: Monday to Friday | 10am to 1pm
Email: parivarthanblr@gmail.com
Launched in 2011, the Parivarthan Counselling Helpline was initially launched for children and youth to receive free counselling. However, it has evolved as a helpline for all age groups today.
Helpline Number: 044-2464 0050, 044-2464 0060
Timings: Monday to Sunday | 10am to 2pm
Email: help@snehaindia.org
Sneha is a suicide prevention organization based in Chennai offering unconditional emotional support to anyone who could be feeling distressed, depressed or suicidal.
Helpline Number: 1860 2662 345
Timings: Monday to Sunday | 24X7
Email: help@vandrevalafoundation.com
Founded in 2008, the Vandrevala Foundation aims to help those that are suffering from mental health issues. It seeks to spread awareness about mental health by anti-stigma campaign to dispel negative beliefs about mental illnesses. The helpline operates across India and the assistance is available in Hindi, English, Marathi, and Gujarati.
Helpline Number: 0832-2252 525
Timings: Monday to Friday | 1pm to 7pm
Email: youmatterbycooj@gmail.com
Based in Goa, the COOJ Mental Health Foundation works towards promoting mental health under four major umbrellas: Psychosocial rehabilitation, Suicide Prevention, Geriatric & Dementia Care and Community Mental health.
So, if you or anyone you know depressed and needs help, please do not hesitate to call these helplines. Life is precious and should not be lost to suicide. Let’s ensure that the distressed can reach out and seek help rather than end their lives.
