AIIMS-Delhi recently launched the “Never Alone” app, an Artificial Intelligence-based mental health and wellness program. This innovative initiative aims to tackle suicidal tendencies among students and minimize the pervasive stigma surrounding student mental health. The app, introduced on World Suicide Prevention Day, provides crucial screening, intervention, and post-intervention follow-up for college and university students across India. [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]
Addressing Student Mental Health Challenges
The “Never Alone” app serves as a highly secured, web-based platform, readily accessible round the clock via WhatsApp. Importantly, students gain virtual and offline access to consultations with experienced mental health and wellness experts through this service. Dr. Nand Kumar, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS-Delhi, emphasizes the app’s personalized and secure basic screening for mental health issues, priced at an affordable 70 paisa per student per day. Educational institutions wishing to utilize this app must approach AIIMS-Delhi and subscribe to the service. Furthermore, AIIMS-Delhi extends this service without financial implication to all AIIMS branches via the Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH), a not-for-profit venture mentored by the renowned AIIMS-Delhi alumnus, Dr. Deepak Chopra. [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]
The Critical Need for Suicide Prevention
Suicide represents a significant public health problem globally and within India. According to the World Health Organisation, a life is lost to suicide every 45 seconds, with approximately 73% of these occurring in low and middle-income countries. NCRB data from 2022 reveals 1,70,924 people died by suicide, marking the highest figure in over 56 years. Dr. Kumar highlighted that student suicide remains a substantial global concern, including in India. For example, in 2022, young adults aged 18 to 30 years constituted 35% of all suicides, representing the largest share. This age group was closely followed by those aged 30 to 45 years, accounting for 32% of suicides. [11, 12]
Combating Stigma and Treatment Gaps
A major barrier to addressing mental health issues is the widespread stigma and lack of awareness. Consequently, 70% to 80% of individuals struggling with mental health problems often do not seek professional treatment. This phenomenon is evident even in medical colleges, where psychiatrists and psychologists are available, yet students frequently hesitate to seek help, leading to tragic outcomes. A public health approach to suicide prevention necessitates a paradigm shift in how society perceives and prevents suicide. Therefore, an increase in trained mental health professionals and accessible resources is crucial. While a strong link exists between suicide and mental disorders, many suicides also occur impulsively during crises, such as financial difficulties, relationship disputes, or chronic pain. [10, 13]
AI-Powered Support for Student Mental Health
The “Never Alone” app directly addresses the critical treatment gap by providing an anonymous, secure, and immediate system of support. It connects students with counselors, psychiatrists, and faculty members, ensuring help is available even during off-hours. This innovative AI-based solution aims to empower students to seek help without fear of judgment. The app provides a continuum of care, encompassing screening, intervention, and follow-up, which is essential for comprehensive mental wellness. By fostering an environment where students feel supported, AIIMS-Delhi strives to reduce the alarming rates of student suicides and promote overall well-being. [7, 10, 12, 13]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the “Never Alone” app?
The “Never Alone” app is an AI-based mental health and wellness program launched by AIIMS-Delhi to help college and university students with mental health issues and suicide prevention. It offers screening, intervention, and follow-up care. [5, 6]
Q2: How can students access the Never Alone app?
The “Never Alone” app is a web-based platform accessible 24/7 via WhatsApp. Students gain virtual and offline access to mental health experts through their educational institutions, which need to subscribe to the service. [5, 6, 7, 9]
Q3: Is the Never Alone app affordable for institutions?
Yes, the basic mental health screening on the app costs only 70 paisa per student per day for subscribing institutions. AIIMS-Delhi also provides this service free of financial implication to all other AIIMS branches through the Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH). [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]
References
- AIIMS launches AI-based app to tackle suicides, improve mental health amongstudents – ETHealthworld.
- AIIMS launches AI-powered app to support student mental health and prevent suicides – The Indian Express.
- AIIMS Delhi Launches “Never Alone” App to Support Student Mental Health – Krishi Jagran.
- AI-based mental health program ‘Never Alone’ launched at AIIMS Delhi – Newsonair.
- AIIMS comes up with AI-based app to help students seek mental health counselling | Delhi News – The Indian Express.
- Struggling to cope with stress? AI is here to help | Delhi News – The Times of India.
- Never Alone AI app launched by AIIMS Delhi to tackle student suicides – India Today.
Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated from publicly available sources and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. OC Academy does not exercise editorial control or claim authorship over this content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and refer to current local and national clinical guidelines.