Latest news with #Tele-MentalHealthAssistanceandNetworkingAcrossStates
The Hindu
28-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
How Tele-MANAS helpline in Telangana became a lifeline for 1.3 lakh callers
In early 2025, a 38-year-old unemployed man from Hyderabad found himself trapped in a cycle of fear, sleepless nights, and persistent thoughts of self-harm. A few months earlier, he had been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a condition marked by sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. While the physical symptoms were being treated, his mental health began to unravel. Panic episodes, intrusive thoughts, and a growing sense of hopelessness slowly took hold, affecting his ability to function day to day. Then he turned to 14416, the toll-free helpline of the Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative. The call was transferred to a psychiatrist. Over the next few minutes, he was encouraged to speak freely and reassured about confidentiality. He was assessed for suicidal ideation and educated about the link between physical and mental health. 'He agreed to seek further care at the District Hospital. A few days later, during a follow-up session, he confirmed that he was already feeling better,' said a counsellor. But his case is just one among thousands. Since its launch in October 2022, Tele-MANAS helpline in Telangana has received over 1.38 lakh calls from people across the State experiencing mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to substance use, sleep disturbances, and suicidal ideation. The round-the-clock call centre at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda, is staffed by a team comprising two psychiatrists, one clinical psychologist, 14 trained counsellors, two technical coordinators, and two support staff. Each day, the centre fields between 150 to 200 calls, connecting individuals to qualified mental health professionals who provide immediate support and refer serious cases to local District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) clinics or government hospitals. The intervention is free, confidential, and accessible to anyone with a phone. The helpline's impact is evident across all 33 districts. Kamareddy district recorded the highest number of calls at 19,366, followed by Hyderabad (9,904), Hanamkonda (8,086), Siddipet (7,911), and Vikarabad (7,067). 'Most common callers are young adults, unemployed individuals, and people dealing with sudden medical or financial stressors. Callers often report feeling isolated or unable to speak openly with family members, which is where the anonymity and availability of the helpline make a critical difference,' said a Tele-MANAS official.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Tele-MANAS to start video consultation for mental health support
The new Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) video consultation feature will allow people to talk directly with mental health professionals through video calls, the officials said. In Maharashtra, the helpline number 14416 is run by 20 mental health experts and counsellors from Pune, Thane, Nagpur and Ambejogai who have been trained by experts from NIMHANS, Bengaluru. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) According to officials, the feature is currently in its final phase of testing. It is expected to be fully available across India by next fortnight. The staff training has already been completed, and the video call system has been activated in trial mode. Besides, users have already begun using the service and have provided feedback, helping the system prepare for a smooth rollout. Dr Prasanna Phutane, consultant psychiatrist and nodal officer, Tele-MANAS Pune, 'Till now, Tele-MANAS offered only audio support. Soon, people can speak face-to-face with psychologists, psychiatrists, or psychiatric social workers. This improvement aims to enhance communication and understanding between patients and mental health experts.' In Maharashtra, the helpline number 14416 is run by 20 mental health experts and counsellors from Pune, Thane, Nagpur and Ambejogai who have been trained by experts from NIMHANS, Bengaluru. Another senior official, on condition of anonymity, said, 'Video consultation brings comfort and clarity to people who often hesitate to seek mental health help. It's a safe and supportive step forward. The service will be especially helpful for people in remote, rural, or tribal areas, who may find it difficult to travel to mental health clinics. Besides, it will overcome the challenge of trained mental healthcare experts in remote areas.' Dr Phutane further informed that in India, over 11 crore people still suffer from mental health disorders, with 80% not seeking help, and the number continues to rise.
