Are you feeling stressed out ? Connecting NGO lends you a supporting hand in relieving your stress

This Covid19 pandemic has hit everyone across the globe badly. More than the physical pain, the mental agony is causing more harm to all. This pandemic has taught us to live in the present moment and also made us learn the value of our lives, which somehow many had taken it for granted. 

There are several who have been caught in the whirlwind and are unable to take good decisions and often take wrong steps, such as self harming or commit suicide. These distressed people need an ear to hear their voices so they can vent out their emotions without any hesitance. And Pune fortunately is blessed to have an organization called, Connecting NGO which offers service to communicate with people.  

Pune Pulse takes you through the process on  how you can contact this helpline in crisis time. 

‘Over the past financial year Connecting Trust has received an average of 202 calls per month and has answered an average of 59 emails per month. It’s important for individuals to know that if they feel low, distressed, and/or suicidal, they are not alone. It’s okay not to be okay. We’re here to listen’ says, 

Liyaan Sataravala CEO, Connecting NGO. 

What to expect when you call a distress helpline or write to a distress email service. 

1.  The services are completely free of charge. The only cost incurred is the price of the phone call.

2. If you write to Connecting Trust’s distress email service, a response will be given within 24 hours. Its Distress Helpline is available from 12-8 pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The helpline volunteers can respond in Hindi, English and Marathi.

3. The volunteers don’t know who is writing to or calling them unless you choose to share that information.*

4. Whatever you share with the volunteers, remains within the organization.* All conversations between you and the volunteer will remain confidential*

5. The volunteers do not judge or give advice.

Your distress isn’t magnificent or ugly to the volunteers. There is no right or wrong. They provide a safe space for you to share your distress and take decisions that you feel are appropriate (if you do feel like taking any).

6. There is no script that is followed.

This conversation is for you to talk through everything that you’re feeling. Yes, the volunteer may ask you a few questions to understand what you’re going through, but they are truly having a conversation with you and genuinely care.

7. It’s not only if you’re feeling suicidal

You don’t need to only be contemplating suicide to call a distress helpline or write to a distress e-mail service. We all need emotional support, and we all have things come up in life that feels unmanageable on our own. (Sometimes we just need someone to talk to.)

If you feel low, distressed and/or suicidal, you are not alone.

Call- 9922004305 | 9922001122  (all days, 12pm – 8pm)

Write to- [email protected]

They care.

To volunteer, email- [email protected]

*confidentiality and anonymity is to the extent permissible under the law.