Close to 30 lakh calls were handled through the national mental health telephone helpline since its launch in October 2022.
This data was released by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, in a written reply to Rajya Sabha in the ongoing Parliament winter session.
Government had launched a "National Tele Mental Health Programme" on October 10, 2022, with an aim to address the mental health issues among people by improving access to quality counselling and care services in the country.
An individual who would like to seek help can dial the Tele MANAS helpline number at 1800-89-14416. Services are available in 20 languages based on the language opted by the states.
As per official information by the government, more than 29,82,000 calls have been handled via the helpline number. The minister was answering a question on the suicide rate in the country and measures taken by the government in this context.
He also added that a Tele MANAS mobile application, launched on World Mental Health Day in 2024, is a "comprehensive" platform that now includes video consultation, expanding the original audio-based service.
Meanwhile, Australia has banned social media for kids, becoming the first country to implement a minimum age for using such networking sites. Officials say the landmark ban is meant to protect children from addictive social media platforms that experts say can be disastrous for their mental health. The law saw harsh criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates, but was praised by parents and child advocates. Platforms that do not comply will be fined up to A$49.5 million ($33 million).
