Crisis helplines
If someone is in immediate danger, or is talking about ending their life, do not wait for a clinic appointment. These numbers are free, staffed around the clock, and reachable from anywhere in West Bengal.
Tele-MANAS
Government of India's national mental health helpline. Free, 24×7, available in Bengali, Hindi, English and other languages. This is the number to call first.
Emergency services
Single national emergency number for police, ambulance and fire. Use this when there is immediate danger to life.
KIRAN mental health helpline
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment helpline for distress, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. 24×7, multilingual.
Helping someone in crisis
You do not need training to be useful. What helps most is staying, listening without arguing, and not leaving the person by themselves until professional help is involved.
- Ask directly whether they are thinking of ending their life — asking does not plant the idea
- Listen without debating whether their reasons are valid
- Stay with them, or arrange for someone else to
- Remove access to anything that could be used to cause harm
- Call a helpline together rather than handing over the number
- Arrange a psychiatric consultation as soon as the immediate crisis passes
Helpline numbers are reproduced here for convenience and were correct at the time of writing. If a number does not connect, call 112.
Once the immediate danger has passed, get proper treatment
A crisis line manages the moment. Recovery needs a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Call the chamber to arrange an assessment.
