‘29,000 calls received in 12 months, over 200 youngsters counselled through chatbot so far’
The Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) cell, operational at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Srinagar, has emerged as a lifeline for individuals grappling with stress, drug addiction, and anxiety-related issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tele-MANAS, the first-of-its-kind mental health helpline completed its first year today and has received an overwhelming response with approximately 29,000 calls.
Launched on November 4, 2022, the three-tier system incorporates mental health counsellors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists, ensuring a comprehensive support network for those in need.
Dr Qazi Haroon, State Program Manager Mental Health J&K informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the helpline has handled around 29,000 calls, addressing concerns ranging from stress and drug addiction to suicidal tendencies and anxiety.
He said around 29,000 calls have been registered to date, with a slight predominance of female callers (54%) and (45 %) male, and below one percent other).
He said that approximately 87.36% of calls were routine inquiries, while 12.09% involved crisis interventions for individuals with self-harming ideas.
“On average, the helpline receives 80 calls daily, with the highest daily call volume reaching 214 calls. The average call duration is approximately 12 minutes,” Dr Qazi said.
Highlighting the significance of these numbers, he said there is a positive reception of Tele MANAS by the public.
He said the initiative aims to provide cost-effective and comprehensive services to an underserved population in the region, thereby strengthening mental health—a historically overlooked area in Jammu and Kashmir.
The recent introduction of India’s first Tele-MANAS chatbot in Jammu & Kashmir has further extended the reach of mental health support. Designed to engage with individuals in distress, the chatbot provides 24/7 access to health counsellors, clinical psychologists, and consultants.
This digital initiative not only ensures round-the-clock assistance but also encourages individuals to seek help from the comfort of their homes, addressing privacy concerns and enhancing accessibility.
The toll-free helpline number for Tele MANAS Cell J&K is 14416/1-800-891-4416, and for the Tele MANAS Chatbot, it is 9797600601. The helpline operates 24x7, offering mental health services and drug de-addiction services to the general public.
Dr Haroon said India’s first Tele-MANAS chatbot, designed to engage with people in distress, that was launched in Jammu & Kashmir last month has managed to provide assistance to around 210 youngsters so far.
“The Chatbot provides round-the-clock access to health counsellors, clinical psychologists, and consultants,” he added.
The doctor said that Chatbot encourages individuals to avail the benefits of this service from the comfort of their homes, addressing privacy concerns and promoting accessibility.
In light of previous studies conducted by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), it is evident that Kashmir faces a significant mental health challenge. A study in 2016 revealed that 11.3 percent of the adult population in the valley suffers from mental illness. Another study in 2015 by Medecins Sans Frontieres and IMHANS indicated that nearly one in five individuals in Kashmir exhibits symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
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