The National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) launched by the Government of India in October 2022 has achieved a significant milestone by receiving over 2,00,000 calls from across the nation since its inception. This toll-free service is a digital arm of the ‘District Mental Health Programme,’ aimed at bolstering mental health service delivery in the country. The substantial increase in the number of calls within just three months from reaching one lakh calls (in April 2023) to two lakh calls demonstrates a consistently progressive trend. Union Health Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, praised the countrymen for this achievement, highlighting the positive impact of this initiative.
Catering to Mental Health Needs Across India
The Tele MANAS service currently operates 42 functioning Tele MANAS cells in 31 States and Union Territories, providing assistance in 20 languages. Over 1,300 calls are attended to every day by a team of more than 1900 trained counsellors, offering first-line mental health services. The most common concerns encountered by callers include sadness or mood, sleep disturbances, stress, and anxiety. The programme ensures follow-up calls for around 7000 callers, effectively completing the loop of care. Callers needing specialist care are successfully linked to appropriate services such as District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) and other nearby healthcare facilities.
Addressing Exam Stress and Student Mental Health
The Tele MANAS helpline has observed a surge in calls related to exam stress during the exam season. Skilled counsellors have been instrumental in providing supportive counselling and self-help strategies to students, helping them cope with the pressure and excel in their examinations. Efforts are being made to expand the reach of Tele MANAS services to more students and adolescents in various educational institutes, providing mental health support at an early stage.
Promoting Mental Health Services and Reducing Stigma
The initiative promotes Tele MANAS services through various media platforms, including print media, radio, and social media. This helps raise awareness about mental health issues and encourages people to seek support without fear of stigma. By providing anonymity to the callers, the programme aims to reduce the prevailing stigma surrounding mental health concerns.
Future Plans for Tele MANAS
Tele MANAS will continue to provide basic counselling and mental health services while establishing linkages with existing vital services and resources, including integration with eSanjeevani in the near future. The programme envisions building a comprehensive digital mental health network across India, reaching out to the most vulnerable and unreached sections of society.
