India's Mental Health Crisis: What You Need to Know

India's mental health landscape reflects a grim reality: while millions struggle with mental illness, access to mental healthcare remains out of reach for most people.  

A 2017 study published in the Lancet highlighted that 197.3 million Indians suffer from some or the other form of mental illness. Out of this total, more than 80% of individuals do not receive the required care and mental health support. In public health, we call it “treatment gap”. It is in this context that the Government of India took a keen interest on using technology in mental healthcare.  

The Government's Digital Mental Health Drive: Tele-MANAS 

Tele MANAS is a special initiative by the Indian government to provide free counseling services to those who need it, especially in rural areas where access to mental health resources is limited. 

Tele MANAS operates in the digital sphere, meaning you can access counseling services online or over the phone. This is super helpful because it means you can get support no matter where you are, even if you live far away from a city or town with a mental health clinic. 

Counsel India, a leading platform for practical psychology learning, is also committed to this cause. Not only do we offer counseling services, but we also provide psychology programs covering various specializations.  

Counsel India believes that everyone deserves access to mental health support, regardless of where they live or their background. By offering personal counseling services and educational programs, we are committed to helping people understand their emotions better and learn how to cope with life's challenges. 

Tele-MANAS, the Tele Mental Health assistance and Networking Across States initiative was launched on 10th Oct 2022 to provide free-tele mental health services to all.  

This facility was launched by the governor of Karnataka, Mr. Thawar Chand Gehlot, at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru. The motive behind this initiative was to create a 24*7 mental health assistance service, especially designed for the people situated in remote areas.  

The government has been extremely proactive in its approach to adopting digital tools in mental healthcare. In accordance with such an endeavor, they came up with Tele MANAS, as a tele-mental health program, with 51 cells and has received almost 4 lakh calls so far.  

A chatbot was launched in Jammu and Kashmir under the broader category of Tele MANAS, in July 2023. This rule-based chatbot followed a set of rules to help decide what response was to be provided to the user. It primarily encouraged users to talk to Tele MANAS counsellors through WhatsApp, one of the most widely preferred messaging applications in the country. The most interesting part is how such an interface has come up as a boon for individuals who do not feel comfortable talking on call.  

Tele-MANAS: Is the Union Ministry's New Mental Health Initiative a Hit or Miss? 

According to the Union Health Ministry, the Tele MANAS helpline number registered under the Tele Mental Health Program, has received more than 200,000 calls, ever since its launch in October 2022. In just three months, the authorities saw a double in the number of calls received.  

Tele MANAS is to be integrated with eSanjeevani, which is also a government initiative for video-based remote consultations with doctors. This can be considered a positive development as it clearly means psychiatric medications can now be prescribed from remote areas to Tele MANAS callers, also known as eSanjeevani.  

Tele MANAS will be organized in a two-tier system where tier 1 comprises state Tele MANAS cells including trained counsellors and mental health professionals. Tier 2, however, will comprise specialists at District Mental Health Program (DMHP)/Medical College resources, especially for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.  

The Digital Frontier: Exploring Tele MANAS and Beyond 

Tele MANAS seva is not the first attempt of the Indian government at trying to use digital tools in mental healthcare. The government had also made a helpline by the name of KIRAN in 13 different languages, back in the year 2020. The primary idea behind such an initiative was to provide crisis help 24/7 and connect the people in need to mental health professionals. In the year 2021, the government came up with a new application called MANAS, which offered services like meditation guides, mood tracking methods, sleeping tips, and tools for planning.  

The government has come up with approximately 7,000 follow-up calls to check on people in need of mental help and support. Some callers were effectively connected to special mental health services in their respective areas, through District Mental Health Programs and several other local health centers.  

The government has been continuously working to expand such programs across the country. The idea behind such a step is to ensure that everyone gets access to mental health support through digital tools like this app. The government is still working on expanding this program across India.  

Towards a Healthier Tomorrow: India's Vision for Mental Wellness 

India's mental health crisis is critical, but initiatives like Tele-MANAS offer hope. With the help of Technology, we can break down barriers and make mental healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of location or background. 

However, a lot more work is required in the mental health sector. A holistic approach is vital. We need to tackle stigma, promote well-being, and build supportive communities. This means creating open environments where people feel comfortable seeking help for mental health concerns. 

Collaboration is key. Governments, professionals, and communities must work together to develop policies, interventions, and ensure equal access to care. 

Furthermore, the focus should also be upon investing in mental health education and workforce development. Considering the looming situation, by training more mental health professionals and integrating mental health into primary care services, we can enhance the capacity to provide timely and effective support to those in need.  

Our actions today will shape the future of mental health. Let's build a future where it's valued, supported, and everyone can thrive. 
 
In today's world, mental health is just as important as physical health. Sometimes, we face challenges and feel overwhelmed, but it's normal to seek help. Tele MANAS is a special initiative by the Indian government to provide free counseling services to those who need it, especially in rural areas where access to mental health resources is limited.  

To extend crucial support to individuals in remote areas, Counsel India has partnered with Helping Hand to establish last mile support at Zero in Arunachal Pradesh (a remote village at India China Border). This initiative aims to deliver impactful counseling services to those who require assistance, especially in areas with limited accessibility. 

Tele MANAS operates in the digital sphere, meaning you can access counseling services online or over the phone. This is super helpful because it means you can get support no matter where you are, even if you live far away from a city or town with a mental health clinic.  

Counsel India believes that everyone deserves access to mental health support, regardless of where they live or their background. By offering personal counseling services and educational programs, we are committed to helping people understand their emotions better and learn how to cope with life's challenges. 

Take the Next Step in Your Psychology Career with Counsel India!