Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 03 June 2024
In a significant step towards improving mental health services across India, the Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative was launched on World Mental Health Day, 10th October 2022. This landmark program aims to provide free, 24/7 tele-mental health services nationwide, with a particular focus on reaching remote and underserved areas.
To facilitate access to mental health care, a toll-free helpline has been established. By dialling 14416 or 1800-891-4416, individuals can receive telephonic mental health support from trained counsellors. This service is available around the clock for residents of the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands.
Mental illness remains a stigmatised issue in many parts of society, often leading to individuals being ignored or blamed for their conditions. As a result, many refrain from seeking help and suffer in silence for years. The Tele-MANAS initiative aims to break this stigma by offering accessible mental health support for a range of issues including mood disorders, sleep disturbances, relationship problems, familial conflicts, exam-related stress, anxiety, and depression. Most of these issues can be effectively managed telephonically by trained counsellors, with referrals to mental health professionals when necessary.
Operating from the ANIIMS campus, the Tele-MANAS Cell of the A&N Islands is fully functional 24/7, staffed by trained counsellors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists. Since its inception, the helpline has attended to over 1,000 calls, providing essential mental health support to those in need.
The Tele-MANAS helpline (14416 or 1800-891-4416) stands as a vital resource for anyone in need of mental health and wellness services, ensuring that help is just a phone call away, any time of the day or night.