According to the National Mental Health Survey, every tenth person in India struggles with some kind of mental health issue, Data from Mpower’s national helpline, which analyzed 1 lakh calls since March 2020, highlights alarming trends, especially from metropolitan populations.
Rima Bhandekar of Mpower states “Mental health challenges are multifaceted, with anxiety and relationship concerns being common. However, each city has its unique stressors contributing to these issues.”
According to Mpower’s Helpline, total young callers since March 2020 is 1 lakh.
- Gender: 60% male and 40% female
- 74% of callers were aged 18 to 40.
At National Level
- Relationship issues accounted for 1 in every 3 calls nationally.
- Other concerns included anxiety (23%), depression (20%), stress (16%), and psychiatric disorders (8%).
Mumbaikars Account for Most Calls
- Mumbai: Relationships: 34%, Anxiety: 23%, Depression: 21%
- Delhi: Relationships: 38%, Anxiety: 22%, Depression: 18%
- Bengaluru: Relationships: 27%, Anxiety: 26%, Depression: 20%
- Kolkata: Relationships: 45%, Anxiety: 24%, Depression: 17%
Government Initiatives:
To address the growing mental health concern, the government launched Tele MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) in 2022 as parts of its National Tele Mental Health Programme. 53 Tele MANAS cells across 36 states and Union Territories have handled 15.95 lakh calls as of November 2024.
Tele MANAS services In Maharashtra:
- Over 1 lakh calls have been addressed.
- 7 in 100 callers were aged 18-45.
Common reasons for these frequent calls include sadness, stress, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and relationship issues.
The data underscores the urgency to address mental health challenges, especially among younger populations. With helplines like Mpower and Tele MANAS providing crucial support, continued efforts are essential to ensure mental well-being across India.
