Helplines for Mental Health Counselling

A toll-free helpline number is available and provided by many psychologists and psychiatrists under a stated organisation to help people with mental health problems. These services are supported through different media via telephone, WhatsApp, mail etc. across India. Mental health and substance abuse affects 13% of the population worldwide and 1 in 4 people is currently suffering from mental issues. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are very prominent in India. 3.5% of deaths are attributed to anxiety or depression. People with mental health disorders are faced with immense personal anguish and distress. Moreover, Encountered many problems in their relationships, education, profession and social activities.

The continuous problem leads to a decrease in productivity, increases absenteeism, and reduces work efficiency both in professional and household work. Mental health association with social implications can not be overlooked. The stigma and discrimination surrounding mental disorders are so much pertaining, to individuals hindered from seeking help and support. This behaviour also leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment and could have long-term consequences.

Importance and Consequences:

More than 450 million people suffer from mental disorders. According to WHO, depression is the second largest disease burden worldwide. The social and emotional costs are equally associated with mental health. Some causes are linked to poor mental health in the population.

• Relationship Problems
• Low self-confidence.
• Health behaviours like eating insensibly, imbalance exercise, inadequate sleep etc.
• social problems like unemployment, broken families, drug addiction, poverty etc.

Thus Mental Health is linked to behaviour and seen as fundamental to social and quality of life. Therefore, there is a need for awareness and seeking treatment in every part of life when you find your mental health is affecting your life. Through resources, it was evident that many helpline numbers of different organisations are the busiest lines and are successful in treating most of the issues For instance, MANAS organisation, NIMHANS line etc. People facing issues contact professionals through helplines that are available to us all the time. Many resources and helplines are available to us are listed below:

NIMHANS:

One of India’s most influential mental health and neuroscience education institutions in NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience) of Bengaluru is offering free psychosocial support and mental health services for people suffering from mental issues like anxiety, depression, stress etc. many mental health professional, psychologists, psychiatrists are available 24×7 on a toll free number.

CALL: 080- 46110007

MANAS ORGANISATION:

It is a national civil society working on issues of mental health and gender justice for the past two decades. They are providing health services and integrating mental health into the delivery system through a psychosocial approach. They have also started their service helpline which is available 24×7.

CALL: +91- 8069096909

VANDREVALA FOUNDATION:

It is a non-profit organisation that aims to provide significant funding aid and contributions to people suffering from mental health issues and problems. Taking into this mind, a mental health initiative was taken by the foundation of a 24-hour helpline to aid patients struggling with any mental health problems.

CALL: 9999 666 555

LINK: Click here

Through this link, anyone could have access to mental health professionals through chat, email or WhatsApp.

ARPITA SUICIDE PREVENTION HELPLINE:

It is one of the services in Ramaiah Hospital under the Arpita Foundation. This was started in 2019 by a group of experienced volunteers to reach out to society. This is operated by 24 volunteers from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. If Callers prefer Face-to-face counselling, then they are referred to the Doctors at the Hospital for consultation and treatment and further followed with counselling.

CALL: 080- 23655557

SANGATH:

Sangath is a non-profit organisation working in Goa. The organisation has dedicated COVID-19 wellbeing offers, self-management resources and community support. This centre works for frontline workers and young people in need of psychological support.

CALL: 011- 41198666

LINK: Click Here

PARIVARTHAN:

It is also a non-profit organisation and provides multi-model services in mental health. The helpline is serviced by trained, professional counsellors who are committed to rigorously ethical practices and the confidentiality of the callers.

CALL: +91- 7676602602

LINK: Click here

FORTIS STRESS HELPLINE:

It was launched in 2016 for students and parents with queries related to exam stress, mental health wellbeing and exam tips. This is a 24-hour service and consultation with a team anytime.

CALL: 08376804102

COOJ MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION:

It is an organisation for mental health working in Goa under four major needs: Suicide prevention; Social rehabilitation; Eldercare and Community mental health. They operate a confidential helpline that offers emotional support at different levels of stress. This works from Monday to Friday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

CALL: 8322252525

iCALL:

It is a psychosocial helpline for individuals in emotional and psychological distress. They provide counselling and help through technology via, telephones, email and chat to anyone in need of emotional support. It is accessible from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

CALL: 022- 25521111; +91- 9152987821

Why Call a Helpline?

• It provides individual support and assistance through different platforms
• It helps them to minimise their issues
• We are able to share our challenges and issues easily in a safe place without being judged by any.
• It’s a free service run by organisations and professionals to give you happiness, there is nothing a give-and-take formula to call a helpline.
• The helpline counsellors understand your needs and demands to the closet on the on-grounds.
• It is an easier and cheaper way to handle our life crises under a professional’s guidance.

What can I Expect?

• A counsellor will be connected to your call. The counsellor will be empathetic, and non-judgmental. He/ she will understand your problem to the fullest and further information will be shared to help you cope with that situation.
• Your information will not be shared with anyone and it is totally confidential in nature. Any information regarding your number or name will not be passed to any authorities.
• The counsellor would ask for your name and age. And tell about themselves as well. Each helpline has its own guidelines, so they must mention what time the call goes.
• Even if you are uncomfortable sharing your name, the counsellor would ask for any other alternate one to address you in the conversation.

What to not Expect?

• Every problem takes its own time to resolve. Don’t expect that one call will solve all your problems. Some problems may be serious and need long-term treatment.
• Don’t give up your problem’s responsibility on your counsellor. Telling your counsellor about your problem will not make it their responsibility to fix it.
• Don’t use abusive language on a professional helpline number.
• Don’t call just for a friendly chat. The counsellors are there to help individuals and your call will hold up someone’s line who is demanding help.
• Don’t tell them what to do and don’t demand from the counsellor to talk with your friend, children or parents just to fix your problem. It’s unethical.