Another Student Suicide: A List of Prevention Helplines To Call

On this World Suicide Prevention day, bookmark this. Then, share it. It could save a life.

Counsellors in helplines are trained to listen to at-risk and under stress people, and to not judge at all; their phone calls can be the difference between life and death for many. 

(Photo: iStockphoto)

In yet another case of student suicide, a 12-year-old in Delhi died by suicide after allegedly being humiliated by her teacher. The incident took place on December 1st. Her mother, an advocate, allegedly continuous harassment by the teacher that led the young girl to take her life.

Over 800,000 people across the globe kill themselves each year, with the last recorded figure being 1,31,666 people committing suicide in India in 2014, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Every 40 seconds someone in this world commits suicide. A study found that in 87.3% of suicide cases, the deceased was suffering from a diagnosable, treatable mental illness. One in every four persons will have some form of mental illness at some point in their life.

And, given how only 1 in 10 people in India receive evidence-based treatment for the several types and degrees of mental illnesses, the sheer number of Indians at risk is mind-boggling.

If you need help, if you are feeling suicidal, hare this resource of suicide prevention helplines across India with friends and loved ones.

Additionally, if you or someone you know needs long-term help, please refer to this state-wise repository of trusted mental health professionals across India, curated by Tata Institute of Social Sciences.