Hyderabad: Tele-Manas (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), a national mental health helpline (toll-free numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416) launched by the Centre in November 2022 to provide accessible mental health services across the country, claims to have received over 10 lakh calls as of May 2024, with an average of about 3,500 calls per day.
Notably, 74.4 per cent of the callers belonged to the 18-45 age group. The primary reasons for seeking assistance included sleep disturbances, mood-related issues, stress, and anxiety.
The data also showed that among the callers, 55.8 per cent were men and the remaining 44.2 per cent were women.
Youngsters have shown little awareness about this helpline. "I know about the helpline but I am concerned about my privacy," said Dhruv, an 18-year-old student at Mahboob Degree College. He is caring for an ailing mother and a strict father, who is in constant argument with him over career-related issues.
"I would rather speak to a friend or a senior about these issues rather than a stranger that too over the phone. I am sure I would be able to establish the connection. I am afraid of doing that even in person. More so because of the fear that they might go and tell my father about it, that could escalate issues at home rather than resolving them," he said.
"The data shows that there is an increase in the number of calls received over the portal. From around 12,000 in December 2022 to over 90,000 in May 2024, the calls indicate a significant rise in the use of this service, said Dr Vishal Akula, head of the department of psychiatry, Government Medical College, Jagtial.
“In Telangana and our hospital, we have observed that language is the main barrier in availing this service, despite it claiming to be multi-lingual. People from low-income groups find it inaccessible,” he said. “For people who know how to use technology, it has helped in preventing many impulsive suicide tendencies. Since loneliness is a major factor causing suicidal ideation, talking to a mental health professional in that moment helps them to take a step back and calm down," Dr Akula added.
