On World Suicide Prevention Day, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi unveiled Never Alone, a groundbreaking AI-powered mental health app designed to address the alarming rise in student suicides across India. Launched to provide 24/7 mental health support, this innovative platform offers students a stigma-free, accessible, and affordable way to seek help through WhatsApp.
Key Points:
- Launched on September 11, 2025, to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
- Targets college and university students struggling with mental health challenges.
- Aims to reduce stigma and provide immediate, personalized support.
Why Never Alone Matters: The Growing Suicide Crisis
India faces a dire mental health crisis, with 170,924 suicide deaths reported in 2022, the highest in over 56 years, according to National Crime Records Bureau data. Young adults aged 18–30 account for 35% of suicides, driven by academic pressure, financial struggles, and personal crises. Alarmingly, 70–80% of individuals with mental health issues avoid seeking help due to stigma or lack of awareness, even in environments with access to professionals.
Key Points:
- Suicide is a major public health issue, with one death every 45 seconds globally.
- India accounts for a significant portion of suicides in low and middle-income countries.
- Mental health stigma prevents students, even in medical colleges, from seeking help.
“A public health approach to suicide prevention requires rethinking how we address mental health,” says Dr. Nand Kumar, Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi.
How Never Alone Works: AI-Powered Support at Your Fingertips
The Never Alone app harnesses artificial intelligence to deliver a seamless, secure, and user-friendly experience. Accessible via WhatsApp, it provides personalized mental health screening, immediate interventions, and continuous follow-up care. Students can connect with professionals virtually or opt for offline consultations, ensuring flexibility and privacy.
Key Points:
- AI-Driven Screening: Identifies risks like depression or anxiety through tailored assessments.
- 24/7 Access: Offers instant support via WhatsApp, meeting students where they are.
- Secure Platform: Robust encryption ensures confidentiality.
- Affordable Care: Costs just 70 paisa per student per day, making it accessible for institutions.
Expanding Reach: A Nationwide Mission
The Never Alone initiative extends beyond AIIMS Delhi, with simultaneous launches at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in Shahdara. All AIIMS institutions across India will receive the service free of charge, supported by the Global Centre of Integrative Health (GCIH), a not-for-profit initiative mentored by AIIMS alumnus Dr. Deepak Chopra, a global leader in integrative health. Educational institutions can subscribe to the program by contacting AIIMS Delhi.
Key Points:
- Available at multiple institutes, with plans for nationwide expansion.
- Free for all AIIMS institutions, ensuring broader access.
- Supported by Dr. Deepak Chopra’s expertise in integrative health.
Bridging the Gap: A New Era of Mental Wellness
The Never Alone app is more than just a tool—it’s a movement to destigmatize mental health care and empower students to seek help without fear. By combining AI technology with a deep understanding of student challenges, AIIMS Delhi is setting a new standard for suicide prevention programs. This initiative addresses the root causes of student suicides—depression, anxiety, and impulsive crises—while offering a scalable, cost-effective solution.
Key Points:
- Reduces stigma by providing a discreet, stigma-free platform.
- Addresses impulsive suicides triggered by academic or personal crises.
- Scalable model ensures more students can access mental health resources.
A Call to Action for a Healthier Future
As India grapples with rising suicide rates, Never Alone offers hope for a generation struggling with mental health challenges. By making mental health support accessible, affordable, and stigma-free, AIIMS Delhi is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient student community. Educational institutions are encouraged to adopt this transformative app to prioritize student wellness and save lives.
Key Points:
- Empowers students to take control of their mental health.
- Encourages institutions to subscribe and expand access to mental health care.
- A beacon of hope in the fight against student suicides.
For more information or to subscribe, educational institutions can reach out to AIIMS Delhi and join the mission to create a mentally healthier India.
