Tele-MANAS Surge in Telangana: Over 138,000 Calls Position It as a Crucial Lifeline for Mental Health Support
In the heart of Telangana, the Tele-Manas helpline has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals grappling with mental health issues. Since its inception in October 2022, this 24/7 service has been operational across all 33 districts of the state, providing swift, confidential, and anonymous assistance whenever it is required[1].
With a toll-free number (14416), the helpline offers free, confidential counseling and support[1][4]. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and trained counselors based at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda[1], the team handles around 150 to 200 calls each day, providing emotional first aid via one-on-one support, determining each person's needs, and offering guidance or directing them toward additional resources.
The helpline's reach is vast, with the highest call volumes from districts like Kamareddy (19,366), Hyderabad (9,904), Hanamkonda (8,086), Siddipet (7,911), and Vikarabad (7,067), while remote areas like Asifabad and Jayashankar Bhupalpally report fewer calls but still engaged populations[1].
Women constitute a majority of callers, about 92,000 women compared to 45,900 men, and the largest age group contacting the helpline is 18 to 45 years old[1]. For serious cases, callers are referred to local district mental health program clinics or government hospitals, integrating the helpline with broader healthcare infrastructure.
The Tele-Manas helpline is not just a critical resource for individuals in crisis, but also a vital lifeline in Telangana, helping to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health services for diverse populations[3]. It also supports specific groups such as mothers facing postpartum depression, highlighting its role in targeted mental health issues[4].
One such individual who found solace in the Tele-Manas helpline is a 38-year-old man from Hyderabad who struggled with anxiety, sleepless nights, and self-harm thoughts, and was diagnosed with Bell's palsy. After contacting the helpline several days later, he reported feeling steadier and more hopeful[2].
In addition to its impact within Telangana, the Tele-Manas helpline is extending its services to the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, with efforts being made to increase awareness of the helpline at the district level and improve aftercare and training[5]. The goal of Tele-Manas is to integrate mental health support into everyday life and reduce stigma associated with seeking therapy.
[1] Telangana launches 24/7 Tele-Manas helpline for mental health support
[2] Man feels steadier, more hopeful after contacting Telangana's Tele-MANAS helpline
[3] Tele-Manas helpline: A vital lifeline in Telangana
[4] Tele-Manas helpline: A lifeline for mothers facing postpartum depression
[5] Tele-Manas helpline to extend services to Armed Forces Medical College in Pune
Science plays a crucial role in the operation of the Tele-Manas helpline, as it employs a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counselors, who use evidence-based practices in providing support to callers. The helpline's efforts to improve mental health accessibility and reduce stigma contribute positively to health-and-wellness, both within Telangana and beyond, making it a significant asset for the overall well-being of individuals in need of assistance.
