Chennai, March 11 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government’s Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) has become a crucial support system for students preparing for exams, including competitive tests.
Launched in October 2022, the initiative has seen a sharp increase in distress calls, highlighting the growing demand for mental health support.
According to official data, the number of calls to Tele-MANAS more than doubled over the past year, rising from 37,258 in 2023 to 80,999 in 2024.
In January 2025 alone, the helpline received 4,978 calls. Since its inception, it has handled over 1,26,451 calls across Tamil Nadu.
The highest surge in distress calls occurs between March and September, coinciding with Board examinations, competitive entrance tests like NEET, and result announcements.
Dr. V. Venkatesh Madan Kumar, coordinator of Tele-MANAS, stated that the team proactively reaches out to students who have failed their exams.
He also emphasised the strong correlation between examination results and the increase in distress calls. “After NEET results are announced, our team contacts aspirants, especially repeaters, to offer counseling with their consent,” he said.
While students make up a significant portion of callers, the helpline also receives distress calls from the general public.
A study conducted by Tele-MANAS found that over 70 per cent of callers fall within the 20–40 age group.
One case involved a 23-year-old woman from Thanjavur who faced severe mental distress due to relentless pressure from her employer over a small debt.
Through multiple counseling sessions, she gradually regained confidence and learned to stand up for herself.
In another instance, a divorced mother—struggling with work, caregiving responsibilities for her ailing mother, and raising her child—reached out to Tele-MANAS. Overwhelmed by loneliness and suicidal thoughts, she was connected to a district mental health officer in Chennai for counseling and medication.
Tele-MANAS counselors believe that the increase in calls reflects a positive shift in public attitudes toward mental health. “People are seeking help instead of suffering in silence. Any mental health issue is treatable, and early intervention through counseling is crucial,” said one of the counselors.
Psychiatrist Dr. Manomani G, based in Chennai, highlighted the importance of continuous support. “Many people feel better after the first call, but without sustained support, they may relapse. While there is still stigma and fear surrounding mental health, the increasing number of calls shows that people want to be heard,” she said.
The growing reach of Tele-MANAS is a testament to the increasing awareness and acceptance of mental health support in Tamil Nadu, offering hope and solace to those in distress.
–IANS
aal/rad
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
