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First Aid for the Emotional Heart :Suneel Vatsyayan
Emotional CPR Trainer | National Executive Member, NAPSWI
“Children often cannot ask for help—waiting can be dangerous.
Just as CPR is given when someone collapses, eCPR is needed when the emotional heart is breaking silently. Emotional CPR is not a one-time act. It is a daily human responsibility. If we learn to connect earlier, lives can be saved—quietly, gently, in time.
Reflections from a Dainik Jagran article, a clinical case study, and voices from the community
A recent article published in Dainik Jagran under the Uttar Pradesh/NCR edition has sparked widespread concern and reflection across families, campuses, and mental health circles.
Titled “बच्चों को डांट-फटकार, उपेक्षा नहीं, चाहिए ‘इमोशनल सीपीआर’”, the article was authored by journalist Anoop Kumar Singh. It draws attention to a deeply troubling reality: children and adolescents in emotional distress are often misunderstood, ignored, or disciplined—when what they truly need is connection and care.
This piece for brings together the essence of that article, Dr. Sidana’s case insights, and thoughtful reactions from readers and professionals across India.
A tragedy that forces us to reflect
The suicide of three minor sisters in Ghaziabad is not just a
heartbreaking incident—it is a collective warning. Early reports pointed to excessive screen exposure, online gaming, social withdrawal, and breakdown of family communication.
But beyond listing causes, the article poses a more uncomfortable question:
could this emotional crisis have been noticed and supported earlier?
Too often, children’s distress is labelled as bad behaviour, stubbornness, or defiance. In reality, it may be a silent cry for help.
What mental health clinics are seeing
Drawing from his clinical practice, Dr. Roop Sidana highlights a worrying pattern increasingly visible in OPDs:
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Adolescents (especially girls aged 15–18) spending long hours immersed in foreign web series or online content
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Gradual withdrawal from studies, daily routines, and family conversations
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Severe irritability, anxiety, crying spells, panic-like symptoms, and even fainting when mobile use is restricted
One case involved two young women from rural Rajasthan (names changed). Enrolled in online B.Ed coaching, they instead became deeply absorbed in Korean television content. One developed intense emotional attachment to a foreign actor and began insisting on marriage, threatening self-harm when opposed.
After marriage, her condition deteriorated—insomnia, refusal to eat, repeated suicidal ideation, and inability to accept her spouse. Hospitalisation, counselling, medication, and family psychoeducation brought partial recovery. However, discontinuation of treatment led to relapse and renewed excessive screen use. Treatment is ongoing.
The takeaway is clear:
this is not “laziness” or “defiance”—it is a treatable mental health condition.
The hidden danger of behavioural addiction
Experts caution that excessive screen exposure can lead to behavioural addiction, where imagined relationships and virtual worlds begin to replace real-life bonds.
Possible consequences include:
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depression and anxiety
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impulsivity and emotional dysregulation
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detachment from reality
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suicidal thoughts, especially during adolescence
Early recognition and timely intervention can prevent irreversible outcomes.
Why children rarely ask for help
One of the most important points underscored in the article is this:
children and adolescents almost never ask for help directly.
Their pain often appears as:
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sudden silence or isolation
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aggression or extreme irritability
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self-harm tendencies
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substance use or disordered eating
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withdrawal disguised as a need for “privacy”
When such behaviours are met with scolding or control rather than curiosity and care, children retreat further—and the risk escalates.
Emotional CPR (eCPR): responding before it’s too late
Just as physical CPR is administered when someone collapses and cannot call for help, Emotional CPR (eCPR) is meant for moments when a person—especially a child—is emotionally overwhelmed and unable to articulate distress.
As explained by psychiatrist Former Director Dr. Nimesh Desai Former Director Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences, eCPR does not replace therapy. It is a human first response that stabilises, connects, and protects—until professional care is reached.
The three pillars of eCPR
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C – Connect
Opening a calm, compassionate dialogue
“What happened that made you feel this way?” -
P – emPower
Restoring agency and dignity
“How can I support you right now?” -
R – Revitalize
Reconnecting with routines, relationships, and hope
“What has helped you feel better before?”
Professionals also emphasise its importance for children with ADHD and Autism, who are often mislabelled as “difficult” rather than distressed. Approaches like NADA ADS and eCPR offer non-judgmental, regulation-focused support.
Voices from readers: what the article stirred
The Dainik Jagran piece prompted heartfelt responses from across the country:
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Nada Hiral, Good Health Ambassador
“This is very educational and important. I will share it on my platforms as well.” -
Nancy, Shimla
“We often fail to notice the emotional struggles of children. This article makes us pause and reflect.” -
Amar Parihar, trained by Suneel Vatsyayan
“An excellent article. I am already using Emotional CPR whenever required.” -
Nancy, UPES Dehradun
“This article is deeply upsetting. Instead of blaming children, parents, teachers, and society must notice behavioural changes and offer emotional support. Tragedies like these can be prevented.” -
Dr. Anandita, Psychiatrist, Rajasthan
She echoed the need for early counselling, family therapy, and sensitive responses rather than dismissal or discipline.
These reactions reflect a shared truth: people care—but many don’t yet know how to respond.
From awareness to action: the community’s role
According to Suneel Vatsyayan, suicide prevention cannot be left to mental health professionals alone.
Through initiatives with Nada India Foundation and the National Association of Professional Social Workers in India, the Healthy Campus campaign has trained student ambassadors and social workers across more than 20 universities to build emotionally safe environments.
This model now urgently needs to reach schools, families, and neighbourhoods.
What needs to change—now
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Emotional first-aid training for parents and teachers
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Mandatory social workers and counsellors in schools
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Open, stigma-free conversations about children’s feelings
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Teaching Emotional CPR alongside physical CPR
Every suicide is a collective failure.
Every timely connection is a shared victory.
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