The 104 health helpline, an initiative of the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project, received around 10,600 calls as of 7 p.m. on Friday and more were pouring in, said B. Prabhudoss, head of marketing and communications, GVK EMRI, which runs the service.
“These were all exam-related calls, from students, parents and relatives. Around 800 of the people who called in received psychological counselling from us. There were also calls relating to other questions about the exams as well. A lot of the students were depressed, and considering suicide,” he said.
In one case, a girl who had scored 1050 was scolded by her parents and had consumed poison. “We intervened and asked her to rush to the hospital,” he said.
Eight psychologists were on duty to handle the calls. The 108 ambulance service received several calls related to suicides as well, Mr. Prabhudoss said.
At SNEHA, the suicide prevention centre, over 50 calls and dozens of emails were received, said Lakshmi Vijayakumar, founder of the centre. “Though Chennai has seen a dip in student suicides over the last decade thanks to increased awareness and understanding, the problem still persists in rural areas,” she said.
Students in distress can call 104 or 044-24640050 or email help@snehaindia.org
