Highlights
- AIIMS Delhi launched the “Never Alone” app to offer 24×7 mental health screening, counselling, and follow-up for students via WhatsApp or QR code.
- The app uses DSM-based evaluations and connects users to experts at just ₹0.70/day with costs covered by partnering institutions.
- With rising suicide rates among young adults, the initiative aims to reduce stigma and promote early intervention.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has introduced an AI-based mental health app aimed at supporting students with counselling and timely interventions. The initiative is designed to raise mental health awareness and provide easier access to professional care, particularly for students struggling with stress and suicidal thoughts.
“Never Alone” App for Students
The web-based app named ‘Never Alone’ can be accessed via WhatsApp or through a QR code, said Professor Dr. Nand Kumar from the Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Delhi, during the official launch.
The rollout is starting at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in Shahdara. Dr. Kumar, who played a key role in developing the app, explained that the platform will allow students to undergo mental health diagnosis and avail both online and offline consultations.
“There is a lot of stigma attached to seeking mental health care, which is why many students do not want to seek help,” Dr. Kumar noted.
How the ‘Never Alone’ App Works?
The ‘Never Alone’ app uses the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for clinical evaluations. The DSM serves as a global reference, helping professionals diagnose conditions by matching reported symptoms and behaviours against established criteria.
The programme focuses on three key areas, which are screening, intervention, and post-intervention follow-up, ensuring continuous support for students in colleges and universities.
Students will have 24×7 access to the app, which connects them with trained mental health and wellness experts. Consultations will be available at an extremely low cost of 70 paisa per day, which will be covered by the subscribing institutes. To implement the service, colleges and universities must partner with AIIMS Delhi.
Addressing the Suicide Crisis
Highlighting the urgency of such initiatives, Dr. Kumar said, “Suicide is a major public health problem…. According to a WHO report, 7.27 lakh people died by suicide in 2021… around 1,925 deaths per day or one every 45 seconds. Approximately, (73%) of these suicides occurred in low income and middle income countries.”
In India, the crisis is particularly severe. “As per NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) data, more than 1.7 lakh people died by suicide in 2022, the highest in 56 years,” Dr. Kumar revealed.
He added that in 2022, young adults aged 18-30 accounted for 35% of suicide cases, followed closely by the 30-45 age group at 32%.
Dr. Kumar stressed the importance of systemic change, stating, “Public health approach to suicide prevention argues for a major change in the way we think about suicide and its prevention, including an increase in trained mental health professionals.”
FAQs
Q1. What is the “Never Alone” app launched by AIIMS Delhi?
Answer. “Never Alone” is an AI-powered mental health app designed to support students with 24×7 access to screening, counselling, and follow-up care via WhatsApp or QR code.
Q2. How does the app diagnose mental health conditions?
Answer. It uses the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to evaluate symptoms and match them against clinical criteria for accurate mental health screening.
Q3. What is the cost and availability of the service?
Answer. Consultations cost just ₹0.70 per day, covered by subscribing colleges and universities. The rollout begins at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and IHBAS Shahdara.