World Mental Health Day 2024: Top Helplines Available for Immediate Support in India

World Mental Health Day: World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 every year. It’s a day to raise awareness about mental health issues and to encourage support for mental health. 

Theme for World Mental Health Day 2024: 

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024 is ‘Mental Health at Work’.

When World Mental Health Day Started? 

World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 as an initiative by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). Mental health is a basic human right and is important for personal, community, and socio-economic development. Seeking help is a positive step that enhances health, well-being and happiness.

Top Helplines Available  in India to Seek Help for Mental Health:

Kiran | 1800-599-0019

Kiran is a 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline that provides relief and support to persons with mental illness. Launched by DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this helpline is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is dedicated to resolving mental health issues related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), suicide, anxiety, and others.

Vandrevala Foundation | 9999666555

Vandrevala Foundation provides free mental health support and psychological counselling that is available 24X7X365 days. It offers multilingual phone counselling round the clock by experienced clinical psychologists and psychiatrists.

NIMHANS | 080 – 4611 0007

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences is the apex center for mental health and neuroscience education. It provides psychosocial support and mental health services during disasters. The service is available to people experiencing anxiety, stress, fear, or any kind of emotional discomfort during emergencies caused by disasters.

Sumaitri | 011-23389090, 09315767849

Sumaitri is a crisis intervention center based in Delhi offering telephonic counseling seven days a week, from 2 pm to 6:30 pm. It offers help to people who are depressed, distressed or may be feeling suicidal.

Tele-MANAS | 14416 or 1-800-891-4416

The Tele-MANAS was launched by the Government of India to enhance mental health service delivery nationwide. It offers multi-language support and incorporates callbacks for follow-up.

Aasra | 91-9820466726

Aasra is a Mumbai-based mental health NGO that offers active listening 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It is a crisis intervention centre for emotional crises, mental illness issues, and suicidal ideation.