Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, 18 February:- Civil Surgeon Dr. Sangeeta Jain has once again appealed to individuals suffering from mental illnesses or their relatives to avail the benefits of the Tele-MANAS helpline. She stated that this helpline is proving to be extremely beneficial for people suffering from mental disorders. Tele-MANAS services can be accessed from home through the toll-free helpline numbers 1800-89-14416 or 14416. All information of the caller is kept confidential.
It is noteworthy that to create awareness about mental health and to promote mental well-being, the Government of India launched the Tele-MANAS project on 10 October, 2022. Tele-MANAS is a toll-free helpline that provides free mental health counseling services 24x7 across India.
Dr. Jain informed that through Tele-MANAS, patients can connect with psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, etc., for resolving mental health-related concerns. This service is available in more than 20+ languages. Health officials stated that this project is a major initiative for patients suffering from all types of mental illnesses. Through this helpline, mental health patients can seek advice and inquire about medicines while sitting at home. Patients can also book online appointments with doctors.
She further stated that Tele-MANAS has its own mobile application in which counseling is provided over the phone on various issues such as substance abuse, anxiety, examination stress, depression, loneliness, financial stress, crisis management, and family-related issues. Tele-MANAS also provides in-person services when required. Information regarding medicines can also be obtained through video calls.
She informed that an important feature of Tele-MANAS is its complete confidentiality. The identity and information of the caller are kept fully secure, enabling people to share their problems openly without any fear or hesitation. This service has proven to be especially beneficial for people living in rural and remote areas, where awareness about mental health is often lacking. Through Tele-MANAS, geographical distance is no longer a barrier to mental health services. Tele-MANAS has emerged as a safe support system for youth, students, working professionals, women, elderly persons, and vulnerable sections of society.