Sikkim launches Suicide Prevention helpline, Crisis Centre

In a response to address the high suicide rate in Sikkim, the state government has launched a dedicated 24*7 suicide prevention helpline. The helpline shall be supported by a round the clock crisis centre at STNM Hospital.

The helpline -18003453225 - was inaugurated by Health Care, Human Services and Family Welfare Minister A.K. Ghatani.

Ghatani said the health department along with STNM Hospital has taken the initiative of starting a special clinic for clients undergoing depression treatment at the medical facility. The facility is a collaborative effort of the departments of health, human services and family welfare under the District Mental Programme initiative.

The minister said that the Depression Specility Clinic was an effort not only to enlarge the scope of services but also an effort to remove the stigma attached to mental illness. He urged people to spread knowledge and create awareness about mental illness and its cure including substance abuse.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, Sikkim in 2012 recorded the highest rate in the country at 29.1 suicides per one lakh population. Altogether 181 people, including 85 females, had committed suicide in Sikkim in 2012.