Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Mar 11: With the pressure of exams mounting on students, Tamil Nadu’s Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) has emerged as a crucial support system, providing much-needed counseling and intervention for those struggling with stress and anxiety.

Since its launch in October 2022, Tele-MANAS has witnessed a sharp surge in distress calls, underscoring the growing demand for mental health assistance. According to official data, the number of calls more than doubled in a year, rising from 37,258 in 2023 to 80,999 in 2024. In January 2025 alone, the helpline received 4,978 calls, with a total of over 1.26 lakh calls handled since inception.

The highest spike in calls occurs between March and September, aligning with Board exams, competitive tests like NEET, and result announcements—a period marked by heightened academic pressure.

Dr. V. Venkatesh Madan Kumar, coordinator of Tele-MANAS, emphasized the initiative’s proactive approach. “After NEET results are announced, we reach out to students, particularly repeaters, offering counseling with their consent. There is a clear link between examination outcomes and the increase in distress calls,” he explained.

While students make up a significant portion of callers, the helpline also caters to the broader public. A study by Tele-MANAS revealed that over 70% of callers belong to the 20–40 age group, indicating that mental health struggles extend beyond academic stress.

One case involved a 23-year-old woman from Thanjavur, who suffered extreme distress due to relentless pressure from her employer over a small debt. With multiple counseling sessions, she gradually regained confidence and learned to assert herself.

In another instance, a divorced mother balancing work, caregiving 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 therapy and medication.
Mental health professionals believe the rise in calls signals a positive shift in public attitudes. “People are now seeking help instead of suffering in silence. Mental health issues are treatable, and early intervention is key,” said a Tele-MANAS counselor.

Psychiatrist Dr. Manomani G, based in Chennai, stressed the need for sustained support. “Many feel better after the first call, but without continued assistance, they may relapse. While stigma around mental health still exists, the growing number of calls proves that people want to be heard,” she noted.

With its expanding reach, Tele-MANAS is breaking barriers and normalizing mental health conversations in Tamil Nadu, offering a ray of hope to those battling emotional distress.