AIIMS Unveils "Never Alone" Mental Health Program for Students: Access Support via New App

The number of students experiencing mental health issues has exponentially spiked throughout the world. Students experience stress, anxiety and depression as three major mental health issues, which disrupt their academic work and everyday activities. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences has (AIIMS) recently launched "Never Alone" as a new initiative to assist students who experience mental health issues. The program works to deliver prompt assistance while working to eliminate discrimination, and enhance student mental health at educational institutions.The need for mental health supportStudent mental health problems have increased substantially since the COVID-19 pandemic started. These days, students face extreme depression and anxiety, because they must handle academic demands, professional decisions, along with social, and family obligations. Research indicates that mental health problems affect 20% of students worldwide, yet many students avoid seeking proper treatment because they fear judgment, or lack access to resources. Hence, AIIMS has created the "Never Alone" program to address this gap through its focus on early intervention, and awareness programs.

What is the 'Never Alone' Program

The 'Never Alone' program at AIIMS delivers student-specific mental health services through accessible support programs that combine remote, and face-to-face counseling services. The program provides students with access to trained mental health experts, who understand their particular difficulties. The mental health support at AIIMS exists to ensure students never experience mental health difficulties by themselves, which is why the program bears the name "Never Alone."Key featuresThe program provides essential features to deliver student-friendly mental health assistance through respectful services.The program operates a 24/7 helpline which enables students to contact counselors at any time they need assistance.The program provides students with virtual counseling services that enable them to receive help from their homes, instead of visiting medical facilities.Students who join peer group discussions at the program, can connect with others who share their mental health challenges, to receive emotional support.AIIMS conducts continuous workshops and awareness programs at educational institutions, to teach students and staff members about mental health while fighting stigma and promoting early detection.The program delivers emergency care services to students who need immediate help, and provides ongoing support for their recovery.Crucial significanceStudent mental health issues create major obstacles that damage their academic results, social bonds and life decisions. Mental health issues that remain untreated can result in disastrous situations, which include substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. The "Never Alone" program works to stop these negative outcomes, through its early intervention services. AIIMS has established accessible counseling services with no stigma to motivate students toward help-seeking behavior.

School and college authorities play an essential role

The "Never Alone" program requires active participation from educational institutions to succeed. AIIMS works with educational institutions to establish mental health workshops, safe discussion spaces, and teacher training for identifying students who require assistance. The supportive environment enables students to receive understanding and care, which enhances mental health understanding throughout the community.The importance of early mental health interventionsMultiple research studies confirm that young people need immediate mental health assistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) demonstrates that mental health programs implemented in schools decrease anxiety and depression symptoms by 30%. Research conducted in India demonstrates that counseling, combined with peer support, helps students develop better mood management and coping abilities. AIIMS developed the "Never Alone" program for Indian students, based on research evidence that showed its effectiveness for student mental health needs.How to joinStudents who want to join 'Never Alone', should visit the AIIMS website, or contact their local AIIMS center for service enrollment. Students enrolled in colleges that work with AIIMS, can find details about program access through their educational institutions. Students should contact the program right away, when they need help with exams, personal matters, or when they feel down. The program offers free services to guarantee that all students can receive vital mental health support.Basic guidelines outside counsellingStudents should stay in touch with their family members and friends because they provide emotional backing.Students need to eat well while following a consistent sleep schedule.Students should take scheduled breaks to pursue their hobbies, and physical activities.Students should limit their social media usage and screen time, to prevent excessive use.Students should contact professionals when their mental state reaches a point of complete hopelessness, or overwhelming distress.