With just six months into 2017, six cases of student suicides have already been witnessed in the State. Although the suicide rate in the State has declined the number of students falling prey to depression, anxiety and academic pressure are increasing on an alarming rate.
Ironically enough, most of the suicide helpline numbers that were started a few years ago to help provide free counseling and telephonic interactions have either stopped working or don’t respond as required.
The toll free helpline number 0651-2451058 by state-owned Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (RINPAS) started in 2011 as a helpline number for the psychologically troubled persons has been completely closed since last two years and any alternative has not been provided yet.
“Our last helpline number, Umang was withdrawn due to lack of manpower and insufficient support from government. Currently, we are working on a new helpline number which we are planning to launch in the upcoming weeks. We are trying to increase our manpower to reach out to more problems,” informed, RINPAS Director, Dr. Subash Soren.
Another toll free helpline number, 18003456523 by Jharkhand Academic Council which was started in 2015 to offer trained guidance and assistance during distress was dropped for unexplainable reasons.
The helpline number that is provided by Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) on its official website does not respond and the line gets disconnected every time, when contacted.
“Our helpline number is still working and if it is not then it must be due to the defective network connectivity by BSNl,” stated, CIP Director, Dr. D Ram when asked about the dysfunctional CIP helpline number.
Currently, no helpline numbers to attend to stressed youths or students are completely functional in Ranchi. As the exam seasons have just ended and students are having a distressing time with their results it is important that they have options that they can consult to if they are anxious, agitated and depressed to prevent them into taking any harsh step.