Coronavirus impact: Delhi University launches helplines for students and staff dealing stress

the University of Delhi on April 9, 2020, launched various 24x7 helpline numbers and email addresses for the student, faculty members and non-teaching staff experiencing mental health issues, stress and anxiety due to the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Amid the ongoing health and economic crisis due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the University of Delhi on April 9, 2020, launched various 24x7 helpline numbers and email addresses for the student, faculty members and non-teaching staff experiencing mental health issues, stress and anxiety due to the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The University confirmed the launch of the helpline through an official notice along with various helpline numbers and email addresses. According to the official press release, the helplines are handled by different department personnel with proven expertise. Through the notice, DU not only expressed its expectations of continuing the teaching-learning process despite the lockdown but also advised the students and staff members to engage in activities such as exercise, yoga, hobbies, etc.

The official notice released by the university reads, ‘The University of Delhi wishes the best of health to students and staff members and expects them to be engaged in online teaching-learning process and/or online administrative work while also actively participating in indoor exercises, meditation, yoga, family time, hobbies and healthy diet as the outbreak of COVID- 19 pandemic continues. If they so desire, students, faculty members and non-teaching staff members of the University may avail 'counseling services' through E-mail, WhatsApp or Tele-counselling / Teleconsultation from the designated group of faculty members with proven expertise.’

The helpline will be monitored on a daily basis and close assistance will be given to the students seeking help. The universities and colleges started setting up these helplines for students when the University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all universities and colleges to set up mental health helplines to address the psychosocial concerns of students during the lockdown imposed to combat the virus spread.

In a letter to vice-chancellors, UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain stated that it is highly important to address any kind of mental health and psycho-social concerns of the student community during and after the COVID-19 situation issue.

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