State to provide tele-counselling services to prevent suicides

In a recent announcement, Health Minister Dr C Vijayabaskar, said that 24x7 tele-psychiatric free counselling services and medical advices would be provided in all districts through the 104 call centre to protect them against stress and suicidal tendencies. 

Stating that places where high cases of suicides are reported – especially in Chennai — will be identified and counselling provided, Selva Kumar, state head of operations, GVK EMRI, said, “Our main agenda is to create awareness about the availability of counselling facilities under 104. Even though this service has been available, many continue to remain unaware. If more people in need call us, we are hoping to check the number of suicides of youngsters in the state.”   

He added, “We are using different methods to create awareness on the availability of counsellors for those who want to reach out. We have been issuing pamphlets in all tertiary care hospitals and primary health centres, besides also putting up stickers across public places.” 

Kumar said that they have been trying to get the public to reach out to them in case they face depression in any form, including stress due to exams. 

Stating that availability of counselling for youngsters is the need of the hour, psychologist P Nilam, said, “Many refrain from reaching out to us for the fear of having to speak to us face to face. But, if more services for telephonic conversations are available to them — not only in cities like Chennai, but also in all districts — the number of cases of suicides in the state will reduce.”