With exams on, more students dial mental health helpline

Lucknow: With examination season on, the number of calls from adolescents to Tele-MANAS — UP's mental health helpline — has almost doubled, the officials claimed on Friday. According to the National Health Mission (NHM) officials, the spike points to growing stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances among students during board and competitive examination time. It also signals rising awareness and trust in institutional mental health support.
"Students grappling with exam-related pressure are our focus this month. We are exploring the option of increasing the number of trained personnel to deal with rising calls," they said. The helpline is part of UP's District Mental Health Programme. Operational across all districts, the initiative has been rolled out in coordination with the state's basic and secondary education departments. Mission director, NHM, UP, Dr Pinky Jowel said, "Examinations often become a source of debilitating pressure. But those in need can approach the helpline by dialling 14416 and 1800-891-4416 for free, confidential counselling for people across age groups."