The Rise of Tele-MANAS in Telangana: 1.38‑Lakh Calls Make It a Lifeline for Mental Health

By early 2025, a 38-year-old man in Hyderabad was struggling to escape what felt like a vortex of anxiety, sleepless nights and tormenting thoughts of self-harm. Recently diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, which can make him look like Popeye at times, his battle cry is increasingly more physical and emotional. Panic episodes coupled with a deepening sense of hopelessness began to disrupt his daily routine. That was when he contacted 14416, the toll-free helpline of Tele-MANAS  (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States services).

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The call was quickly connected to a psychiatrist, who gently urged him to unburden himself. Confident his admission would be kept secret and listened to with sympathy, he was screened for suicidal thoughts and was educated about the interrelated nature of his body and mind. By the end of the phone call, he consented to go seek additional care at his District Hospital. When I interviewed him in a follow-up session several days later, he said he finally felt steadier and more hopeful. 

He is one of thousands of stories. Since its inception in October 2022, the Tele-MANAS helpline in Telangana has received over 1.38 lakh calls from those suffering from a range of mental health problems — from anxiety, depression, substance use, sleep concerns and suicidal thoughts. The programme is also accessible to any individual who can access a telephone, free and confidential, so they are never too far from help. 

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The 24/7 call centre is at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda, Hyderabad. We have a well-rounded team working the helpline. It includes two experienced psychiatrists, a clinical psychologist, and fourteen trained counsellors (eight women and six men). Plus, we have two tech folks and two support staff making sure everything runs smoothly. Altogether, they handle around 150 to 200 calls each day. 

Indeed, they assist individuals by providing emotional first aid via one-on-one support. First and foremost, they pay close attention, determine what every person requires, and offer suitable guidance, support, or direct them toward additional resources. Indeed, this team effort ensures that all individuals receive swift, confidential, and anonymous assistance whenever it is required, demonstrating their true concern for mental health and the community’s overall health.

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Those in need of physical visits are referred to DMHP clinics or government hospitals nearby. The helpline has been operational across all 33 districts of Telangana, and Kamareddy topped with 19,366 calls by people regarding their health condition. Hyderabad is followed by Hanamkonda with 9,904 calls, Siddipet (7,911) and Vikarabad (7,067). 

“The bulk of the calls are by young adults, jobless people and those who have suddenly had health- or finance-related problems crop up,” said an official from Tele-MANAS. “They feel alone, and they’re afraid to talk to family members. That’s where the anonymity of a helpline is so important.” 

Some of those conversations have resulted in positive action. Some have averted emergencies before they got out of hand. The helpline often becomes a first safe space where they are heard by someone. That a simple phone call is enough to deal with complex emotional pain says a lot about the approachability of the effort. The staff makes sure every caller is attended to calmly and professionally. Their aim is not merely to respond to crises but also to refer people to long-term care when it is needed. 

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By and large, Tele-MANAS intends to integrate mental health support into the rhythm of everyday life, helping access therapy without stigma and having to find ways to get from one place to another. The figures coming from Telangana show the need for what the company is doing; it has been successful and gaining attention – the numbers are increasing, activity in urban areas, and in rural areas. 

For all its growing significance, Tele-MANAS is gradually emerging as an important cog in its country’s public health system. Efforts are being made now to bolster aftercare, improve training and get the word out at the district level so that there is wider awareness of where to go when your emotions start to get the best of you.  The success of this helpline is a stark reminder that a conversation, however simple, can sometimes be the first step on our journey to recovery.