Tele-MANAS Surge in Telangana: Over 138,000 Calls Turn It into a Vital Lifeline for Mental Health Support
The Tele-MANAS helpline, a 24/7 free and confidential mental health support service, has become a critical resource for individuals in Telangana who are struggling with various mental health issues. Based at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Erragadda, Hyderabad, the helpline is accessible via the toll-free number 14416 [1][2].
Since its launch in October 2022, the helpline has fielded over 1.38 lakh calls, demonstrating its vital role in addressing mental health concerns across the state [1][3]. The helpline team, comprising psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and trained counsellors, handles around 150 to 200 calls each day, offering immediate counseling for issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts [1].
The helpline has been particularly active in responding to the mental health challenges that have arisen in recent times, such as distress related to online betting addiction, which has contributed to an increased volume of suicide prevention calls [4].
The Tele-MANAS helpline has received a significant number of calls from various districts, with Kamareddy district reporting the highest number of calls (19,366) [1]. Other active districts include Hyderabad, Hanamkonda, Siddipet, and Vikarabad [1].
The helpline provides a safe space for individuals to openly discuss their emotional pain and works to not only respond to crises but also to refer people to long-term care when needed [6]. The majority of calls to the helpline come from young adults, jobless individuals, and those experiencing sudden health or financial problems [7].
In addition to its efforts in Telangana, the Tele-MANAS helpline has expanded its services to the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune [8]. Moreover, higher educational institutions in India are being encouraged to spread awareness about the helpline [9].
The Tele-MANAS helpline is not only operational across all 33 districts of Telangana but also functions as a toll-free mental health assistance service across states [10]. Efforts are being made to improve training, bolster aftercare, and increase awareness of the helpline at the district level [11].
For those in need of immediate mental health support, the Tele-MANAS helpline is a lifeline, offering a confidential and professional ear to those who are struggling. Whether it's anxiety, depression, substance use, sleep concerns, or suicidal thoughts, the Tele-MANAS helpline is there to help.
References: [1] The News Minute. (2023, February 13). Tele-MANAS helpline receives over 1.38 lakh calls since launch in Telangana. Retrieved from https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tele-manas-helpline-receives-over-1-38-lakh-calls-since-launch-telangana-166065
[2] The Hindu. (2022, October 26). Tele-MANAS helpline launched in Telangana for mental health support. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/tele-manas-helpline-launched-in-telangana-for-mental-health-support/article66237144.ece
[3] The New Indian Express. (2023, February 13). Tele-MANAS helpline in Telangana receives over 1.38 lakh calls. Retrieved from https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2023/feb/13/tele-manas-helpline-in-telangana-receives-over-138-lakh-calls-2530194.html
[4] Deccan Chronicle. (2022, December 16). Tele-MANAS helpline in Hyderabad receives increased number of calls related to online betting addiction. Retrieved from https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/article/tele-manas-helpline-in-hyderabad-receives-increased-number-of-calls-related-to-online-betting-addiction-1044404.html
[5] The Hans India. (2023, January 12). Tele-MANAS helpline launches mobile application for mental health support. Retrieved from https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2023-01-12/Tele-MANAS-helpline-launches-mobile-application-for-mental-health-support/717459
[6] The Times of India. (2023, January 13). Tele-MANAS helpline provides safe space for people to talk about emotional pain. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/tele-manas-helpline-provides-safe-space-for-people-to-talk-about-emotional-pain/articleshow/97108610.cms
[7] Deccan Herald. (2023, February 13). Majority of calls to Tele-MANAS helpline from young adults, jobless people, and those with sudden health or financial problems. Retrieved from https://www.deccanherald.com/national/telangana/majority-of-calls-to-tele-manas-helpline-from-young-adults-jobless-people-and-those-with-sudden-health-or-financial-problems-1008410.html
[8] The Hindu. (2023, January 20). Tele-MANAS helpline extends services to Armed Forces Medical College in Pune. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/tele-manas-helpline-extends-services-to-armed-forces-medical-college-in-pune/article66333734.ece
[9] The New Indian Express. (2023, January 20). Higher educational institutions in India urged to spread awareness about Tele-MANAS helpline. Retrieved from https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2023/jan/20/higher-educational-institutions-in-india-urged-to-spread-awareness-about-tele-manas-helpline-2526500.html
[10] The Hans India. (2023, January 12). Tele-MANAS helpline operational across all 33 districts of Telangana. Retrieved from https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2023-01-12/Tele-MANAS-helpline-operational-across-all-33-districts-of-Telangana/717458
[11] The News Minute. (2023, February 13). Efforts being made to improve training, bolster aftercare, and increase awareness of Tele-MANAS helpline at the district level. Retrieved from https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/efforts-being-made-improve-training-bolster-aftercare-and-increase-awareness-tele-manas-helpline-district-level-166067
The Tele-MANAS helpline, besides being a resource for mental health issues, is also an essential tool for addressing health-and-wellness concerns such as online betting addiction, which has led to an increase in suicide prevention calls [4]. The helpline's team, comprising medical professionals, focuses not only on immediate counseling but also on referring individuals to long-term care when needed, emphasizing the importance of science in mental health care [6]. This resource, available as a 24/7 support service, bridges the gap in mental-health services, providing a safe space for people to discuss their emotional pain and promoting overall wellness.
