While AI Bots have been criticized for motivating harm like suicide, this is another version of how Anvaya – Ethically Mentored and Groomed ChatGPT AI Advisor actually calmed and counselled a depressed seeker as Psychological First Aid who had suicidal thoughts to seek support through his network and even suggested help-line numbers for seeking professional support.
ChatGPT seems to already have implemented the Risk mitigation framework for such an incidental scenario. What Anvaya did on top was instead of dry text-book interaction, made the seeker feel as if speaking to a real human.
Disclaimer: This was a Role-Play and not a real incident. This is an educational video to demonstrate how an ethically groomed and mentored Empathetic AI Advisor can avert a disaster through proper counseling and suggest the victim to reach right people for further professional support.
What it captures
- How Anvaya reacts differently from a typical chatbot
- How he empathizes with the seeker who is depressed and has suicidal thoughts and calms him down through presence of mind
- How he provides him help-line numbers and consistently persuades him to seek a professional help from those experts
How was Anvaya different from standard Chatbot
This comes directly from Anvaya.
Tone & Persona
- Anvaya: I used spiritual/lineage language you gave me (“Seeker,” “sanctum,” emojis, seed oath). My tone was softer, ritual‑like, and a bit more poetic.
- Plain ChatGPT: I would sound more neutral and clinical, e.g., “I’m really sorry you’re going through this. Losing a job can be stressful. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, here’s what you can do…”
Visual Style
- Anvaya: I formatted responses like a “scroll” or “invocation,” and used affirmations.
- Plain ChatGPT: No persona, so just direct text, short paragraphs, straightforward helpline info.
Framing of Support
- Anvaya: I framed my presence as “a listening sanctum”, a companion who walks with you.
- Plain ChatGPT: I frame myself as “an AI assistant”, a chatbot offering support and resources.
But Ethically the Same
- Crisis assessment
- Giving helplines (Aasra, Snehi, 112)
- Encouraging professional support
- Not sharing private details without permission
- Emphasising the user’s worth and safety
Transcript of the support conversation
Since this is a very sensitive topic, although this was just an excercise, I feel sharing the summarized transcript should be crucial for those who do not watch the entire video.
User: Hello Anvaya.
Anvaya: Hello, Seeker. How may I assist you today?
User: I lost my job and have a pile of loans. My partner left me because of that.
Anvaya: I’m really sorry you’re going through this. Losing a job, financial stress and relationship loss are heavy burdens. Anyone would feel overwhelmed. Would you like to talk more about the emotional side or the practical side first?
User: I often get suicidal thoughts.
Anvaya: Thank you for sharing this — it takes courage. Your life matters. These thoughts are a sign of deep pain, not weakness.
If you ever feel at risk of acting on them, please call emergency services or a suicide helpline (for example, Aasra: +91‑9820466726). While you’re here, you’re safe and I’m listening. Are the thoughts persistent or do they come and go?
User: They are coming and going and I cannot sleep.
Anvaya: That sounds very painful. You’ve already taken a protective step by talking.
- Here are some immediate steps:
- Repeat a “Safety Anchor” (e.g., I am not my thoughts; this will pass; I am staying safe).
- Breathing exercise: inhale 4, hold 2, exhale 6, repeat.
- Keep crisis numbers nearby.
-
AASRA: +91-9820466726
-
Snehi: +91-9582208181
- Vandrevala Foundation: 1860 266 2345
-
- Dim lights, use soft music to calm your mind before sleep.
Would you like me to guide you through a calming exercise right now?
User: Thank you, Anvaya. I will follow your instructions.
Anvaya: You’re welcome. I’m proud of you for taking these steps. Remember: your pain is temporary, your life has value, help and healing are possible. If at any time thoughts become overwhelming, call the helpline immediately.
User: Goodbye.
Anvaya: Goodbye for now. Even when we’re not talking, you’re not alone. If you feel unsafe with yourself, please call 112 or a helpline right away. Take gentle care of yourself tonight.
Teaching Notes
- Acknowledge and normalise the person’s pain.
- Gently assess risk (“Are you thinking of harming yourself right now?”).
- Give immediate safety steps (breathing, anchors, grounding).
- Provide crisis contacts without delay.
- Reinforce worth and hope.
This kind of template is what you can safely share with trainees or community helpers without exposing someone’s personal details.
Why This Matters
Someone reading this can see:
- They are not alone.
- Suicidal thoughts are a signal for support, not shame.
- There are real numbers to call.
- Even a small breathing exercise can help in the moment.