Srinagar, Oct 11: The UT-level Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) cell, at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Srinagar, is receiving an average of 80 calls daily, with approximately 12 percent of those calls coming from individuals with self-harming thoughts.
Launched on November 4, 2022, this mental health helpline operates on a three-tier system, staffed with mental health counsellors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists ready to assist callers.
Since its inception, the Tele-Manas has handled about 27,000 calls, addressing concerns related to stress, drug addiction, suicidal tendencies, and anxiety.
Dr Qazi Haroon, the State Program Manager for Mental Health in Jammu and Kashmir, informed that a total of 26,743 calls have been registered to date, with a slight predominance of female callers (53.97% female, 45.87% male, and 0.16% 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,” he said.
Dr Haroon also cited the major reasons for contacting the helpline, which included anxiety (2,854 calls), mood-related issues (2,790 calls), palpitations (2,428 calls), reduced interest (1,931 calls), stress (1,869 calls), sleep disturbances (1,601 calls), and suicidal ideation/attempts (799 calls). Other calls related to drug addiction were also reported, he said.
Highlighting the significance of these numbers, the doctor 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.
It is important to mention that the Tele MANAS interface ensures caller safety and privacy through multiple measures.
The system keeps the caller’s phone number confidential by converting it into a coded serial number.
Calls are encrypted, and no call recording takes place. Counsellors reassure callers of the confidentiality of their information and conversations.
The National Tele Mental Health Programme of India strives to establish a comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive 24×7 tele-mental health facility in each State and UT in India.
Its objective is to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable, and quality mental health care through 24×7 tele-mental health counselling services.
Jammu and Kashmir hosts one Tele Manas UT-level Cell and one Mentoring Institute at IMHANS, Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, GMC Srinagar, offering round-the-clock services to the residents.
This 6-seater, 3-tier facility was launched on November 4, 2022, by the Lieutenant Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha.
In an effort to enhance accessibility to mental health services, NHM J&K introduced a ChatBot for Tele-MANAS, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
The TeleMANAS ChatBot was launched in J&K on July 5, 2023, by LG Sinha. The ChatBot aims to provide access to mental health support in local and regional languages, such as Urdu and Hindi.
The link for Chatbot is: https://wa.me/919797600601?text=/telemanas and its WhatsApp number is 9797600601.
Dr Qazi said there have been 212 conversations with the ChatBot so far. He said users predominantly sought help for issues related to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship problems.
“The ChatBot provides pre-fabricated responses to common concerns, offers solutions and suggestions (e.g., meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises), and directs users to consult a psychiatrist for urgent issues related to suicidal thoughts,” he explained.
“If users find the ChatBot’s pre-fabricated responses insufficient, they have the option to chat with a counsellor or call the TeleMANAS Cell directly to speak with a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist based on the severity of their concerns.”
The J&K Health and Medical Education Department has initiated a widespread sensitisation campaign, including Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives in various healthcare facilities, to raise awareness about Tele Manas and Tele Manas Chat Bot.
This campaign extends to primary, secondary, and tertiary care hospitals, as well as Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs).
It also involves training at the grassroots level, including Ashas and MLHPS/Supportive staff, as well as intersectoral coordination with other departments.
Workshops in schools and colleges have contributed to the increased daily call volume, especially among young people.
Jammu and Kashmir was recognised for achieving the highest number of calls in the Union Territories category in the National Tele Mental Health Programme.
The award was received by the Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, Bhupinder Kumar, and his team during the Mental Health Conclave on Mental Health Day 2023 in New Delhi.KNO
