Home / Health / Tele-MANAS: A Lifeline for Mental Well-being
Tele-MANAS: A Lifeline for Mental Well-being
9 Sep
Summary
- Call center calls for mental health support increased significantly from 523 in 2022 to 31,000 in 2026.
- Suicide prevention programs in educational institutions showed a notable reduction in cases.
- Over 76,000 students reached through suicide prevention awareness programs in schools and colleges.
The Tele-MANAS helpline call centers in Andhra Pradesh have experienced a substantial surge in demand for mental health support. Calls increased from 523 in 2022 to an estimated 31,000 by 2026, reflecting a growing need for psychological assistance. Two centers are currently operational, with plans for a third in Tirupati to offer 24-hour services.
In a significant development, a pilot suicide prevention program at IIIT Nuzvid reported zero cases in 2024, 2025, and so far in 2026, a marked improvement from previous years. This success has prompted the government to consider similar programs for vulnerable educational institutions.
Furthermore, the state has actively conducted awareness campaigns. Between 2023 and 2025, over 76,000 school and college students were reached through 771 awareness programs. Teachers are also being trained to identify mental distress signals, enhancing early intervention efforts.
