<p>Dharwad: Tele-Manas, operated by Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (DIMHANS) to offer telephonic assistance for those dealing with mental health issues, has received more than 65,551 calls over the past three years. Launched by the Union Government in 2022, Tele-Manas in Karnataka is run from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru and DIMHANS.</p>.<p>Together, the two centres in the state have received more than one lakh calls over the past three years, notwithstanding general lack of awareness about the initiative.</p>.<p>National Nodal Officer Ranganath Kulkarni said that the free helpline – 14416 or 1800-891-4416 – was operational round the clock.</p>.<p>“In Dharwad, 20 trained counsellors work in shifts to offer assistance to distressed callers at all times. The new call waiting system ensures that each caller is connected to a counsellor at the earliest on occasions when the helpline is flooded with calls. Those coping with anxiety, depression, harbouring suicidal thoughts, mental stress, among others, can call the helpline and seek help,” said Kulkarni.</p>.<p>Given that stress has become a pervasive problem, afflicting both children and the elderly, Tele-Manas is ensuring early intervention to those coping with the problem, offering counselling, reassurance and guidance.</p>.<p><strong>Severe cases referred to psychiatrists</strong></p>.<p>Analysis of call records indicate that most callers seek help during the night, with nearly 85% of them seeking counsel for problems pertaining to mental health, education, personal or sexual issues.</p>.<p>However, the situation of the remaining 15% of <br>the callers is severe; these are people dealing with addiction and suicidal tendences. Such callers are referred to psychiatrists, who offer counselling through video.</p>.<p>They are also asked to visit DIMHANS for a personal consultation, with the guarantee that their information will remain strictly confidential.</p>.<p>DIMHANS Director Arun Kumar, meanwhile, urged students to seek assistance through Tele-Manas.</p>.<p>“There is a solution to every problem. No needs to choose suicide or other extreme measures. Lead a better, stress-free life – this is the core message of the initiative,” he said.</p>
<p>Dharwad: Tele-Manas, operated by Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (DIMHANS) to offer telephonic assistance for those dealing with mental health issues, has received more than 65,551 calls over the past three years. Launched by the Union Government in 2022, Tele-Manas in Karnataka is run from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru and DIMHANS.</p>.<p>Together, the two centres in the state have received more than one lakh calls over the past three years, notwithstanding general lack of awareness about the initiative.</p>.<p>National Nodal Officer Ranganath Kulkarni said that the free helpline – 14416 or 1800-891-4416 – was operational round the clock.</p>.<p>“In Dharwad, 20 trained counsellors work in shifts to offer assistance to distressed callers at all times. The new call waiting system ensures that each caller is connected to a counsellor at the earliest on occasions when the helpline is flooded with calls. Those coping with anxiety, depression, harbouring suicidal thoughts, mental stress, among others, can call the helpline and seek help,” said Kulkarni.</p>.<p>Given that stress has become a pervasive problem, afflicting both children and the elderly, Tele-Manas is ensuring early intervention to those coping with the problem, offering counselling, reassurance and guidance.</p>.<p><strong>Severe cases referred to psychiatrists</strong></p>.<p>Analysis of call records indicate that most callers seek help during the night, with nearly 85% of them seeking counsel for problems pertaining to mental health, education, personal or sexual issues.</p>.<p>However, the situation of the remaining 15% of <br>the callers is severe; these are people dealing with addiction and suicidal tendences. Such callers are referred to psychiatrists, who offer counselling through video.</p>.<p>They are also asked to visit DIMHANS for a personal consultation, with the guarantee that their information will remain strictly confidential.</p>.<p>DIMHANS Director Arun Kumar, meanwhile, urged students to seek assistance through Tele-Manas.</p>.<p>“There is a solution to every problem. No needs to choose suicide or other extreme measures. Lead a better, stress-free life – this is the core message of the initiative,” he said.</p>