If the pandemic and the subsequent events that have taken place over the last two years have taught us anything about life, it is that nothing about the future we’re about to enter is certain and yet, there is a sense of solidarity that society is slowly starting offer to cope with this uncertainty. Technology held us all together while physical isolation was the norm and it was in these moments that we were made to realise the importance of looking out for one another and finding healthy ways to cope with the effects of such frequently occurring life-altering events.
Mental health and its importance is now being spoken about in larger spaces where the conversation once was not particularly encouraged. There is certainly a shift in perspectives and outlook towards mental health awareness and however rudimentary our understanding of it might be now, India is slowly but certainly taking strides towards normalising dialogue around it.
The lockdown brought together countless organisations and independent mental health professionals that joined hands to create a large safe space to tackle mental health concerns. Since then, this community has continued to grow in number and in strength. Initiating conversations around mental health has now been brought to the ease and comfort of your personal spaces and homes where virtual sessions and on-call sessions are actively being chosen by people.
If you feel a need to reach out and begin your mental health journey, here is a list of sources for mental health helplines that can assist you with your concerns.
I. NIMHANS
India’s leading mental health institute NIMHANS offers free mental health support for distressed individuals via telephone and online helplines. These helplines have a team of trained professionals that are available 24/7 through a toll-free number.
Contact: 080 46110007
Website: Nimhans.ac.in/pssmhs-helpline
II. Mitram Foundation
Essentially a suicide prevention helpline, Mitram additionally offers emotional support for individuals undergoing drastic life changes or crises. The helpline is open all week between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Contact: 080 2572 2573/+91 901 9708133
Website: https://www.mitramfoundation.org/
III. Kashmir Lifeline
Kashmir Lifeline offers a one-on-one session with a professional, free of cost for those seeking help in and around Kashmir valley. You can also choose your comfortable form of interaction between telephone chat or email. Their services are available between Sunday to Thursday between 10:00 AM to 5 PM.
Contact: 1800 1807020
Website: Kashmirlifeline.org
IV. Sumaitri
Their services extend to those individuals undergoing extreme social, psychological, or emotional distress. This is also a suicide helpline that offers unbiased support to those direly seeking help. They are open between 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and between 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on the weekends.
Contact: 011-23389090/+91-9315767849
Website: https://sumaitri.net/
V. Samaritans Mumbai
Samaritans offer on-call support to individuals that are stressed, depressed, suicidal, or simply overwhelmed. They offer complete anonymity and are open between 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM from Monday to Sunday.
Contact: +91-8422984528/+91-8422984529/+91-8422984530
Website: http://samaritansmumbai.org/
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