Amid the rising number of suicide cases, the Police Department of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh established a ‘Suicide Prevention Helpline Number’ in the district. The initiative was taken by SP Soumya Sambasivan in order to reduce the increasing rate of suicidal deaths.
A toll-free no, ‘155326’, has been made operational to report mentally ill persons under the Mental Health Act. This will also be functional as suicide prevention helpline number.
As per police data, a total of 89 suicidal deaths have been reported in Mandi district till now and the number is anticipated to rise in the remaining months of the year. Last year, the number of suicide cases reported in Mandi was 112. An analysis was conducted to detect the reasons for the suicides.
If anyone feels the urge to hurt oneself or feels emotionally distressed, then please reach out to us on the following helpline number. It may not seem that way now, but there is help and you are valued and worthy.
— Mandi Police (@MandiPolice) October 7, 2023
24×7 Helpline Number: 155326#WeAreHereToHelp@himachalpolice pic.twitter.com/CggcVZfnmm
According to the SP, poverty, unemployment and loans, sudden reaction to family rift, depression and other illness, domestic violence, drug abuse are some of the reasons. She said that the rise in suicide cases in Mandi was a major concern and the need was felt for intervention.
This helpline will function 24×7 and the record of persons seeking help will be kept confidential. The information will then be provided to the police station or police post concerned and the in-charge will depute police personnel for help. Besides this, the police department will also launch awareness campaigns in schools, college, and communities to reduce the stigma around anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
