The government has informed Parliament that its 53 mental health helplines, Tele MANAS cells, handled over 16 lakh calls over two years, helping people access care and services.
The Tele-Manas helpline, launched in 2022, has received a whopping 16.6 lakh calls so far. This 24/7 mental health support service is operational across all states and Union Territories, with 53 centers ensuring accessibility for people in need. A dedicated center at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune also caters specifically to armed forces personnel and their families.
This remarkable initiative highlights the increasing awareness of mental health issues in India. Kudos to the 16.6 lakh individuals who had the courage to seek help—breaking the stigma around mental health is no small feat! It reflects a growing willingness to prioritize mental well-being.
Accessing the Helpline
The Tele-Manas helpline is accessible 24/7 through the national helpline numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. Services are available in 20 languages, making it inclusive and accessible to diverse communities.
How Tele-Manas Works
Tele-Manas operates on a two-tier system:
- Tier-1: Trained counselors and mental health specialists provide immediate support via state-based Tele-Manas cells.
- Tier-2: Callers are referred to district mental health program experts or medical college resources for in-person or eSanjeevani audio-visual consultations if further care is required.
Recently, video consultations were introduced in Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu, with plans for nationwide expansion. This structured system ensures individuals receive tailored care, demonstrating how technology and counseling can make support more accessible and inclusive.
Further, targeting mental health at the primary healthcare level, the government “upgraded more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs”, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, said.
The Dire Need for Mental Health Professionals in India
India has only 0.75 mental health professionals per one lakh population, far below the recommended three per one lakh. Dr. V K Paul from Niti Aayog has emphasized increasing postgraduate psychiatry seats and training healthcare workers at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) to address common mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and sleep issues.
There’s a notable shortage of mental health professionals in India, making initiatives like Tele-Manas even more critical. Efforts to train healthcare workers at AB-HWCs are a step forward, but there’s still a long way to go.
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
At WellAura women’s health and wellness center in Sarjapur, we applaud the courage of those who take the first step toward seeking mental health support. It’s not an easy decision, but it’s one of the most important ones.
We encourage everyone to prioritize their mental well-being just as much as their physical health. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and every step toward mental wellness deserves acknowledgement and encouragement.
WellAura provides a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free environment for women seeking emotional and psychological well-being. Together, let’s create a community that values and prioritizes mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your mental health matters, and help is always available! Book your online consultation with WellAura today!
