Mental health hotlines are the onset for obtaining help for mental illness. These hotline operators have an approach to a wealth of information to support people suffering from mental illness or even to aid their loved ones.
The most important role of a mental health helpline is to create a link between treatment providers and the callers, in order to reduce the impact of mental illness on their minds and body. These calls are kept confidential and private, to make you at ease while making the call. Once you will connect to a hotline, thoroughly trained employees and volunteers will be at your service.
Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States(MANAS), a toll-free 24/7 number launched on October 10 on World Mental Health Day by the Union government, got 20,000 calls in two months, as reported by the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB). Where, stress, sleep disorders and anxiety are seen to be the main issues for calling. And most number of calls have been directed from Tamil Nadu. 18-45 years age group had made majority number of calls.
Tele Manas under the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) comprises 24 States and Union Territories consigned, It provides fundamental support and counselling including emergency psychiatric facilities also available.
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) was appointed as the central figure for the helpline, while IIITB provides technical support for the same.
“Privacy and Confidentiality is the major focus for the hotline and will continue to remain so”, said Debabrata Das, Director, IIITB.
Training the employees: NIMHANS has been training the counsellors and is planning to advertise the helpline. “We are yet to advertise Tele Manas facili vigorously, in order to give quality support to it’s callers. Once a demand is created, it becomes crucial to provide quality services to all”, Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS, said.
When we talk to a mental professional, it can help manage your distress, or atleast, provide you a non-judgmental space to talk about your concerns without any hesitation. We have come up with a verified list of pan-Indian organizations that offer online counseling or through telephones. The resources offered by these organisations are free-of-cost or at a minimal cost.
NIMHANS: 24/7 help provided to all Indian residents by a team of professional psychologists and psychiatrists. You can have access to them through a toll free number provided.
Call: 080-46110007
Visit: Nimhans.ac.in/pssmhs-helpline
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