Hyderabad: Since its launch in October 2022, the Tele-MANAS mental health helpline in Telangana has received more than 1.38 lakh calls from people seeking help for issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts.The 24/7 helpline, operating from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Erragadda, is managed by a team that includes two psychiatrists, a clinical psychologist, 14 trained counsellors, and technical and support staff. The helpline offers free, confidential support through the toll-free number 14416.Kamareddy reported the highest number of calls at 19,366, followed by Hyderabad (9,904), Hanamkonda (8,086), Siddipet (7,911), and Vikarabad (7,067). The lowest number of calls were reported from Asifabad (1,144), Jayashankar Bhupalpally (1,359), Mulugu (1,562), Jagityal (1,742) and Nirmal (1,767)Women comprised the majority of callers, with 92,013 reaching out for help compared to 45,911 men. The largest number of calls — 42,641 — came from individuals aged between 18 and 45.The centre receives around 150 to 200 calls daily, providing immediate support and referring serious cases to nearby district mental health programme (DMHP) clinics or govt hospitals.
