“So far, our center has received 42 calls and all of them were handled successfully. Most of them were distress calls,” she said.
Dr. Hussain said that because of the stigma, people did not seek psychiatric help, but Tele-MANAS would also reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems.
“Callers don’t have to reveal their identities, they can discuss their mental health issues freely in one phone call,” he said.
Dr. Hussain said that about 11.3 percent of the adult population suffers from mental illness in Kashmir.
“People will get prescriptions and medications while sitting at home in the future. We are planning to link Tele-MANAS to eSanjeevani and other portals,” she said.
Dr. Hussain said that for people living in rural areas, especially remote areas, this helpline could be a game changer.
