There is no government-run suicide prevention helpline in Karnataka. The eight NGOs running suicide prevention helplines are understaffed and unable to keep up with the demand.
Despite the mention of a 24/7 suicide helpline on their websites, NGOs like , Arpita Foundation, Sahai,, Aasara Foundation and SA- Mudra Foundation fail to answer callers in need of help.
Laxmi, a ninth grade student said, “Mental health is a subject that is not talked about in school much. In some cases my fellow students contact help-lines. They put them on wait for over 20 minutes.”
Prevention has been the objective for these help lines. There are no government-run organizations that help with suicide prevention in the state.
Non-Profit organizations (NPOs) and Non Governmental Organizations run suicide helplines to help those in need. The organizations are formed by a group of volunteers who are trained to help suicidal people.
A former NGO volunteer said, “One of the main reasons why NGOs are understaffed is the lack of financial help from the government. Another reason is underpaid volunteers suffer gatekeeper fatigue from attending calls all day.”
Michelle, another student said, “I have called suicide prevention lines and have got no response. I tend to feel unheard. There is no alternative when in need of help. I don’t feel comfortable sharing my thoughts with friends or family. Eventually I turn to professionals through call lines that could help.” Not attending calls in crucial times can lead to more harm, she added.
A freelancer psychologist said that suicidal thoughts can be triggered at any state. It depends on the severity. Not getting help at the right time can lead to possible confusion and agitation. If suicide help-lines can respond immediately, the mental health of a person can be stabilised. She added, “Usually as counsellors, we attend to those who self harm at a higher rate. If help-lines are accessible, they have the potential to save a life.”
According to the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention Implementation Assessment from 2011, the goal to promote suicide prevention is a core component of health care services.
Dr. Bharat from NIMHANS, specialized in the area of suicide prevention said, “Our suicide help register Tele Manas has helped in the prevention of re- attempts in the case of about1500 people. In 2022 there has been a 6.1 percent increase in suicide rates. It has risen post the Covid pandemic.” NIMHANS trains volunteers to help develop counselling over calls in a better manner.
According to the Karnataka Evaluation Authority, Arogya Sahayavani deals with mental health services among other health care services. Yet, the line has been inactive since 2022.The medical conditions that come under the category of mental health do not include suicide prevention.
Nelson, who is part of the Suicide Prevention India Foundation (SPIF) said, “In the United States and the United Kingdom, help-lines are three digit numbers that can be immediately accessible, unlike in India.” He added that funding and staffing are problems that most NGOs face. Some NGO’s have exhausted resources to help callers but do not get paid in return for their service.
He also said that an organization needs an accreditation to run a suicide helpline. The reason for certification is to do no harm as the first rule of psychological support. In Bangalore only a few follow best practices which results in diverting calls. Also increase in rates of suicide can be seen if help lines do not follow protocol and regulations he said.
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