New Delhi- On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi launched an AI-based mental health and wellness program called 'Never Alone.' The initiative aims to prevent suicides among students and raise awareness about mental health issues.

Dr. Nand Kumar, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi, explained that the program focuses on screening, intervention, and post-intervention follow-up for college and university students. The 'Never Alone' app has been launched simultaneously at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in Shahdara.

According to Dr. Kumar, 'Never Alone' is a web-based application that can also be accessed via WhatsApp. It enables students to avail 24x7 virtual and offline counseling services from mental health experts.

This initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Global Center of Integrative Health (JCIH), supported by AIIMS Delhi alumnus Dr. Deepak Chopra.

Dr. Kumar highlighted that the app offers basic mental health screening at a cost of just 70 paise per day per student. Institutions with 5,000 students can subscribe to this service by contacting AIIMS Delhi.

Dr. Kumar stated, “Suicide is a global problem, and it is largely preventable. However, the biggest challenges are the lack of treatment and the stigma attached to mental health. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of people struggling with mental health issues do not seek treatment, primarily due to a lack of awareness and the societal stigma surrounding mental illness.”

He further emphasized, “Often, the decision to take one’s life is made impulsively during a crisis, triggered by issues like financial difficulties, strained relationships, or serious illnesses.”

Through this new app, young people will receive guidance and realize that challenges are a part of everyone’s life. The app aims to show that overcoming difficulties and living happily is entirely achievable. (IANS)