In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift towards open discussions concerning stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being in India. This increase in dialogue is reflected in the country’s national mental health helpline, Tele-MANAS, which has received over 34.34 lakh calls since its inception in October 2022, according to data presented in Parliament. The calls come from individuals seeking psychological assistance, highlighting the urgent need for mental health resources across the nation.

Call Statistics and Trends

A closer examination of the data reveals that Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest number of calls, totaling over 54,000 in the first two months of 2026. Tamil Nadu follows with approximately 22,700 calls, while Karnataka and Maharashtra report around 22,600 and 19,564 calls, respectively. These figures indicate a steady increase in demand as the Tele-MANAS program has evolved, with the number of calls rising significantly in various states over the years. For instance, Karnataka’s NIMHANS center documented a rise from 17,072 calls in 2023 to 57,601 in 2025. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu noted over 78,000 calls in 2023, climbing to more than 1.05 lakh in 2024 at just one center.

Functionality of the Tele-MANAS Service

The Tele-MANAS service operates under the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), aimed at providing support to individuals grappling with issues like anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. The service permits users to connect with trained counselors via telephone. Dr. Naveen Kumar C, a Professor of Psychiatry and Principal Investigator of the NTMHP, reported that callers often express concerns related to low mood, anxiety, sleep issues, and stress stemming from various life circumstances, including examinations, workplaces, and personal relationships. This trend has been consistent since the service’s launch.

Regional Insights and Demographics

Presently, Tele-MANAS operates across 53 centers located in 36 states and Union territories, offering counseling in 20 different languages based on regional preferences. Delhi alone recorded 5,738 calls between January and February 2026, with the Tele-MANAS center at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) managing this influx. Dr. Om Prakash, a Professor of Psychiatry at IHBAS Delhi, noted that most calls relate to common emotional challenges, encompassing anxiety and relationship-related stress. Notably, 3 to 5 percent of these inquiries entail crises involving suicidal ideation, which are prioritized for urgent counseling and intervention. A significant majority, approximately 80 percent, of callers are aged between 18 and 45.

Follow-Up Protocols and Staffing Concerns

Counselors associated with the Tele-MANAS service are permitted to conduct follow-up communications for cases that necessitate ongoing assistance, particularly for individuals expressing suicidal thoughts or experiencing violence. However, government statistics reveal staffing challenges at several centers, with numerous sanctioned positions unfilled in various states. This situation raises critical questions regarding the ability of the system to meet the escalating demand for mental health services effectively. Experts underscore that the increase in calls signifies both a heightened state of mental health distress and a gradual decline in the stigma associated with seeking psychological help.

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