India, with the highest suicide rate globally, saw 171,000 suicides in 2022

India's National Tele-Mental Health Programme has received over 1.36 million calls on its Tele-MANAS toll-free helpline, India’s Ministry of Health said on World Suicide Prevention Day. 

Launched by the government in October 2022, the Tele-MANAS initiative, part of the District Mental Health Programme, aims to enhance mental health services across the country.

India with the highest suicide rate globally, reported 171,000 suicides in 2022, out of which 7.6% were by students and 2248 suicide deaths were attributed to exam failure, according to a National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report released in April. The suicide rate has risen to 12.4 per 100,000, marking the highest rate ever recorded in the country.

Currently, 42 Tele-MANAS cells operate in 31 states and Union Territories, handling over 1,300 calls daily in 20 languages. More than 1,900 trained counselors provide first-line services, addressing common issues such as mood disturbances, sleep problems, stress, and anxiety and also self-harm thoughts.

Those needing specialist care are referred to appropriate services like the District Mental Health Programme and local healthcare facilities.

The government says the initiative has seen an increase in calls related to exam stress during the examination period, with counselors offering supportive advice and self-help strategies to help students succeed.