3 min readMumbaiOct 12, 2023 08:35 PM IST
First published on: Oct 10, 2023 at 12:40 AM IST
Since its launch in October 2022, centralised mental health helpline TeleMANAS has received over 30,000 calls across Maharashtra, 40 per cent of them linked to sleep disorders, with counsellors attributing the primary causes to excessive social media use, work-related stress and relationship issues.
Tele-MANAS was launched across the country as a part of the National Mental Health Programme. The 14416 helpline is run from three locations — Pune, Thane and Beed — with trained experts from NIMHANS, Bengaluru.
On the eve of World Mental Health day, data collected by The Indian Express showed that the helpline has recorded a total of 30,030 calls from across the state.
Counsellor Lalita Pandagre of the helpline explained, “Many people stay up late on their phones, especially on social media, and others struggle with sleep due to job stress, career worries, relationship problems, financial stress and exam pressure. Lack of sleep can also impact mood.” Counselling includes advice on changing habits, nutritional guidance, and recommendations for yoga and meditation.
Doctors outline that sleep disorders have become a mounting concern in India, affecting people of all ages, especially the younger population. “Smartphones disrupt sleep by emitting blue light that suppresses melatonin production, a hormone crucial for sleep regulation. Frequent use of smartphones before bedtime stimulates the brain, making it harder to fall asleep. Notifications also interrupt sleep cycles, leading to fragmented and poor-quality rest, affecting overall sleep patterns and duration,” said Dr Harish Shetty, a city psychiatrist.
Other than this, the helpline receives a range of calls covering anxiety, depression, relationship breakdowns, suicidal thoughts, emergencies, and disruptive behaviour.
Data analysis reveals that Pune leads the chart with 2,002 calls, followed by Kolhapur (1,935), Sangli (1,871), Aurangabad (988) and Mumbai (961).
Explaining the importance of such helplines, Dr Swapnil Lale, director of mental health, DHS said, “Via these telephone discussions, they can access assistance. In the majority of instances, the callers do not need medication. It’s notable that 80 per cent of issues can be resolved through counselling. Basic lifestyle adjustments such as diet, physical activity, and mindfulness suffice.” “However, in severe cases, we do suggest seeing a physician. Presently, we have stationed psychiatrists even at primary healthcare centres for consultations,” he added.
Meanwhile, the mental health helpline number, ‘Hitgunj’, initiated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2013, has received 56,728 calls. In the past seven months, BMC dispensaries have served 2,471 patients with mental health issues. Of these, 347 had mild concerns, 41 had severe cases, and 211 were referred to BMC hospitals for treatment. Counselling support has also been extended to 1,400 Mumbai residents.
The first step in managing distress is understanding that it happens to a lot of people and not blaming ourselves (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
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