India marks World Mental Health Day with Tele MANAS updates and preventive wellness advocacy

To observe World Mental Health Day on October 10, India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to accessible and inclusive mental healthcare. A central component of this effort is Tele MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), a national toll-free helpline (14416) providing 24/7 confidential counseling. Since its launch on October 10, 2022, the service has received over 4.77 million calls and operates through 53 cells across 36 States and Union Territories.

In conjunction with the global theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” the MindGym Initiative is advocating for preventive mental well-being. Founder Prithvi Raj Banerjee suggests that regular mental exercises can help manage anxiety and improve focus, particularly for youth facing digital distractions. The initiative utilizes various techniques, such as belly breathing and biofeedback-based activities, to train attention and emotional self-regulation.