Life.. you’re worth it!

Its the irony of our times. There are so many modes for communication and interaction but so little shared when it comes to actually sharing. Not awesome pictures and statuses.. but real feelings and concerns. Perhaps the fear of being judged for not being ‘perfect’ is so very ingrained that we hesitate to talk about things that bother us.. we are scared to ask for help. Even if it is just a listening ear or a healing hug.. we hesitate to ask! And we go on.. our wounds fester. And, we learn to get by. Or may be just give up!

‘Suicide’ was a dreaded word. Now, it has become a common occurrence . Not a day passes by without one reported. And, it wrings the heart… to know that someone has suffered and gone to the depths. Then, gone for ever, for want of a sympathetic ear. For want of a soul that would hold them and maybe infuse some strength to take courage and go on..

They seem to having been living on the edge and some day, when they can no longer put on the balancing act, just tip over.And, are gone. The heart goes out to them.. for, I know that, when they don’t tip over, they go away to another land and live their lives away from this cruel reality! That is no good either… It is just not the way to be..

When I’d been feeling overwhelmed with all these thoughts, I was very glad to come to know of the existence of a helpline SAHAI for people in emotional distress, one that aims to prevent suicide. This one is celebrating a decade of its existence today. Manned by trained volunteers, it helps by lending an ear to those in distress and also counsels people towards resolution to the problems faced by them.

Below are some more of the details. Please do help to spread the awareness. It may help someone somewhere in need..

Activity: Started on 2nd Oct 2002, SAHAI is Bangalore’s telephone helpline for people in emotional distress. Our dedicated, trained volunteer counselors are available to answer your calls between 10.00 a.m. & 6.00 p.m., from Monday through to Saturday.

All calls are confidential and privacy is assured.

Whether it is facing problems with your family, in school, at work or with your friends,Sahai Counselors will give you their undivided attention and will guide you. And, when you’re ready, SAHAI will help you find a long-term solution to your problems, through telephone counseling.Sahai volunteers will help and equip you with the skills,needed to cope with distressing situations of life like loss, failure, broken relationships or the ever-increasing demands of today’s fast-paced life.

SAHAI volunteers are homemakers, professionals and college students – people from all walks of life who are committed to saving lives. SAHAI volunteers undergo 30 hours of suicide prevention training conducted by professionals from NIMHANS and the Medico Pastoral Association, along with Rotary Bangalore East, three of the help line’s founding partners.

Volunteers are trained to help each caller ventilate, to respond without judging, and to guide the caller to address their problem. Volunteers learn how to listen pro-actively, and to recognize and assess signs of stress and depression.

Details: India’s first suicide prevention helpline we are pioneers in telephone counseling in Bangalore.

Support: Suicide prevention and emotional distress telephone helpline.

Note: Public awareness, more volunteers and funds to raise awareness.

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