27 April,2009 09:28 AM IST | | Kaumudi Gurjar
Calls to city suicide helpline have gone up fivefold since February, thanks to the ongoing economic downturn
Calls to Connecting India, an NGO-run helpline for people with suicidal tendencies, have gone up substantially thanks to widespread layoffs caused by the ongoing economic downturn. "While we would just get two to three calls till February, these days our volunteers are fielding as many as 15 to 20 calls a day from citizens, who call in to share suicidal thoughts," said Viren Rajput, Connecting India's communication and networking in-charge.
"The bulk of callers comprise professionals, who fear loss of jobs. We also get calls from youngsters who are facing a crisis in their relationships, and students who are unable to cope with exam stress and parental expectations," added Rajput.
"Our helpline number 9922001122 is open from 2 to 8 pm on all days, and we never disconnect a call come what may," explained a Connecting India volunteer.
Arnavaz Damania, the former president of the Indian women's hockey association, along with other like-minded people, formed Connecting India in July 2005.
"We always made it a point to recommend a psychologist, if the caller appears to be in need for psychological help," said Damania.
Said clinical psychologist Sandy Dias Andrade, "Suicidal tendencies are common among young professionals along with a sense of isolation and helplessness. It would take more than merely asking someone to stay calm to alleviate the stress," said Andrade.
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