AIIMS Delhi has launched a new AI-based app called “Never Alone” to help students cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The app has been designed to provide support at any time of the day, ensuring that young people never feel isolated while dealing with emotional difficulties.
The initiative was introduced on World Suicide Prevention Day as a step to reduce rising cases of student stress and suicides across the country. With a user-friendly platform and affordable model, the app is expected to reach a large number of students in educational institutions.
Why “Never Alone” Was Needed
In recent years, the pressure of academics, competitive exams, career uncertainty, and social expectations has increased stress levels among students. India has witnessed a concerning rise in student suicides, especially among young adults between the ages of 18 and 30.
Despite the availability of mental health services, many students avoid seeking help due to social stigma, lack of awareness, or hesitation to talk openly about their struggles. This gap in support created the need for a more accessible and less intimidating solution, which “Never Alone” aims to provide.
Key Features of the App
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24x7 Support: Students can access the app anytime, offering constant emotional and mental health assistance.
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Screening and Counseling: The app includes mental health screening, professional counseling, and follow-up services for continued care.
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Online and Offline Help: Users can choose virtual consultations or in-person sessions, depending on their comfort level.
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Easy Access: The app works through a secure web platform and can also be accessed using WhatsApp and QR codes, making it easy for students to connect without complicated processes.
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Standardized Assessment: The mental health screening follows clinical guidelines to ensure accurate understanding of a student’s condition.
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Cost and Availability: “Never Alone” follows a low-cost model, making it accessible to educational institutions across India. The subscription fee is very affordable, less than one rupee per student per day.
Importantly, all AIIMS institutions in the country will get the service free of cost, ensuring that students in these medical colleges have immediate access to support.
Other universities and colleges can subscribe to the programme by approaching AIIMS Delhi.
Where It Has Been Launched
The app has already been introduced at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in Delhi. The plan is to expand its reach to more institutions in the near future.
Larger Goal
The primary aim of “Never Alone” is to build an environment where students feel safe to seek help without judgment. By combining technology with professional expertise, the app addresses challenges like hesitation, stigma, and limited access to psychologists.
It also ensures that problems are identified early, and students get the right support before issues turn severe. This is expected to reduce stress-related dropouts, improve student well-being, and ultimately save lives.
Why It Stands Out
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It is affordable and scalable, making it possible for institutions with limited budgets to adopt.
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The app integrates with commonly used platforms like WhatsApp, lowering barriers to access.
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Unlike simple helplines, it offers screening, intervention, and follow-ups, providing complete care rather than one-time advice.
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Students at premier institutes like AIIMS are already getting it free, setting a strong example for other universities.
The launch of “Never Alone” by AIIMS Delhi marks a major step in addressing student mental health in India. At a time when academic pressure and social challenges are affecting young minds, such an initiative brings hope for a healthier and more supportive education environment. By making mental health care accessible, affordable, and stigma-free, the app sends a strong message: no student should feel alone in their struggles.
