Nearly 3,000 avail monthly counselling via Tele-MANAS in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: With over 67,573 calls since the inception of the Tele-MANAS helpline, 3,000 people availing counselling services on average every month, the helpline centres in Andhra Pradesh continue to serve as a ray of hope and a crucial support system for individuals battling mental stress, depression and anxiety.The toll-free helpline 14416, operated from Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, has seen a steady increase in calls over time. By June 2024, it recorded 31,000 calls, with a significant rise occurring between July 2024 and April 2026. This trend indicates growing public awareness and trust in the service.According to the official data, women account for about 52% of the callers, and a significant number of calls are related to depression (19.87%), job and exam stress (19.20%), sleep disorders (15.57%) and anxiety-related issues (11.7%). Substance abuse concerns also form a notable portion of the calls."Many callers, including those with suicidal tendencies, have been successfully guided away from self-harm through timely intervention," officials within the medical and health department noted.Health minister Y Satyakumar, who recently reviewed the functioning of the centres, directed officials to treat every call with utmost seriousness and ensure timely support to those in distress.Officials informed that counsellors, working under psychiatric supervision, provide guidance through phone calls and, when required, via video consultations. Each interaction typically lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, with some individuals seeking repeated sessions for continued support.Officials emphasised that caller confidentiality is strictly maintained, with phone numbers not visible to counsellors. Calls are automatically routed to available centres within the state, ensuring prompt assistance in the caller's native language.At the national level, Tele-MANAS operates through 53 centres, with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences serving as the apex body for southern states.Authorities highlighted that the initiative is playing a vital role in addressing mental health challenges, with India estimated to have nearly 197 million people affected by such conditions. On the occasion, officials urged citizens to make use of the helpline and seek professional help when needed.
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