08-08-2025
104 Helpline: Over 7,000 effective interventions into mental health-related calls in Gujarat in five years
The 104 Suicide Prevention Helpline of Gujarat has received a total of 8,763 calls since its inception in September 2019 till June 2025. Of these, 7,372 were classified as 'effective' calls, meaning the callers required and received some form of counseling or intervention, according to the official data from EMRI Green Health Services.
Ahmedabad accounts for the highest number of calls, 2,766, followed by Vadodara (584), Banaskantha (533), and Rajkot (453). Around 30 to 40 per cent of callers are repeat users, many of whom directly request the same counselor.
The majority of callers are men aged 30 to 35, typically mid-career individuals struggling with emotional isolation, family pressure, or professional stress, the data reveals.
The 104 Helpline, which connects callers to trained counselors, follows a four-stage intervention process designed to provide immediate relief and sustained support.
If necessary, emergency responders like the local police or the 181 women's helpline are brought in. The helpline classifies calls under seven broad categories: mental illness, family-related conflict, romantic relationship issues, medical illness, physical or sexual harassment, education-related stress, and others.
In addition to suicide prevention, the 104 Helpline also provides health-related information, including guidance on immunization, maternal health, and government health schemes.
It serves as a bridge between the public and the healthcare system, particularly for those whose needs are urgent but not immediately life-threatening, unlike the 108 ambulance service.
Film on 104 Helpline
'CALL 104', a film based on the working of the state's 104 Health Helpline, was screened on August 1 at an event held in Ahmedabad. During the event, several beneficiaries and counselors shared their stories and experiences with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Speaking on the occasion, Vinod Damor, a beneficiary, shared the story of his cousin Anant who had been battling suicidal thoughts.
'He had dreamed of becoming a doctor, but his father forced him to join engineering. After that he completely lost interest in life,' Damor said.
'We encouraged him to call 104. They (counselors) helped him find a reason to keep going. Today, he's leading a happy life,' Damor said.
Usha Patel, a counselor working with 104 Helpline, said: 'I've been able to save lives, sometimes just by listening and other times by stepping in with real-time support.'
(Jay Jani is an Intern working with the Indian Express)
