NGO series: Aasra – Suicide prevention

Helping people in despair

Society

February 7, 2017

/ By / New Delhi



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At the time when people want to stay at a safe distance from suicidal people, Aasra is just a phone call away

At the time when people want to stay at a safe distance from suicidal people, Aasra is just a phone call away

As close to 800,000 people in the world resort to suicide every year, there is an apparent need for psychological and social support. And, at the time when people want to stay at a safe distance from suicidal people, Aasra is just a phone call away!

For each person who commits suicide, there is a series of people who attempt suicide every year, thus, making it the second leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults. And, according to the current trends, this number may rise to 1.5 million by 2020, compared to 800,000 currently.

People are increasingly becoming victims to the emotional and economic instability, globalisation and competition, among other factors that are making them a prey to suicide; many of them being in their twenties.

And, as these people go through severe side effects of depression that in many cases ultimately lead to suicide attempts, their families and friends may sometimes not take this too seriously. This is where Aasra comes in to save them from the clutches of death.

Started in 1998 as a six-hour helpline, Aasra has now expanded to a 24×7 service of volunteers from all walks of life, to emotionally support to the depressed and suicidal, as the NGO believes that suicidal feelings can be subsided with emotional care, communication and concern.

Aasra works in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in the area of mental health, providing emotional support and unbiased care through a helpline service and walk-in centre with the primary focus on alleviating emotional pain and prevent suicides.

People can call, meet or even write to the volunteers in complete confidentially. Since its inception, Aasra’s services have been accessed by thousands of people seeking active emotional support for feelings of despair, depression and suicide.

A collective effort
Abiding by the slogan, ‘Suicide prevention is everybody’s responsibility’, Aasra’s volunteers conduct suicide awareness workshops, exhibitions in various schools and colleges, as well as train volunteers in befriending, counselling, listening and providing active emotional support.

The NGO appeals people to simply show some care as a step to prevent suicidal tendencies. Thus, their campaign ‘Stop a suicide, today!’ is aimed at creating awareness of the need for non-critical understanding and compassion while dealing with a person going through suicidal crisis.

Become a friend to someone in distress. Care and understand. Little efforts can save a life!

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