Anxiety disorders often involve excessive worry, nervousness, restlessness, panic attacks, or physical symptoms such as a racing heart or breathlessness. Depression may include persistent sadness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of hopelessness.
Some people manage symptoms through lifestyle changes or self-help strategies, while others require professional care. Learning how to reduce anxiety or manage depression usually involves a combination of coping strategies, counselling, and, in some cases, medication.
Mental health helplines provide short-term, immediate assistance. They are typically free, confidential, and available via email, phone, or messaging services. These services are designed to support people during emotional distress and help them decide on the next steps.
Helplines can be useful if:
Helplines do not replace ongoing therapy or psychiatric care, but they can help stabilise a situation and provide guidance.
Below is a consolidated list of national and NGO-run helplines that provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and guidance on mental health counselling.
Tele-MANAS is a government-run mental health helpline available across India. It operates through state-level centres, many coordinated by institutions such as NIMHANS. Counsellors provide basic psychological support, assess the level of distress, and offer referrals to nearby mental health services when required.
1 Life is a non-profit organisation focused on suicide prevention. It provides support through trained mental health professionals and tele-counsellors using a non-judgmental approach. The helpline encourages individuals to seek medical or psychiatric support when required.
iCALL provides free counselling via phone and email. It supports individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, academic stress, work-related concerns, and relationship issues. This helpline is suitable for non-emergency concerns.
The Vandrevala Foundation offers round-the-clock support for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. Support is available through phone calls and WhatsApp messages, with referrals provided when necessary.
AASRA provides emotional support to individuals experiencing severe distress or suicidal thoughts. It is widely used as a depression helpline India relies on during crisis situations.
The MPower Minds Helpline provides free and confidential support to individuals experiencing psychological distress. Trained mental health professionals offer guidance and resources for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and related concerns.
Sneha Foundation offers emotional support to individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, or suicidal thoughts. The service focuses on listening and emotional reassurance.
Operated by Fortis Healthcare, this helpline connects callers with trained mental health professionals who provide guidance on managing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
Sumaitri is a crisis intervention centre for individuals experiencing depression, distress, or suicidal thoughts. It provides confidential and free emotional support through trained volunteers.
Arpita Suicide Prevention Centre provides crisis counselling and suicide prevention services, particularly for individuals in eastern India.
Most helplines offer:
Helplines do not prescribe medication or replace in-person treatment.
If there is an immediate risk of self-harm:
Are mental health helplines confidential?
Most helplines maintain confidentiality. However, if there is a serious and immediate risk to life, counsellors may take steps to ensure safety, which could include contacting emergency services.
Can I call a helpline even if I am not in crisis?
Yes. Many helplines support people experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood, even if there is no immediate crisis.
Do helplines provide medical advice or prescribe medication?
No. Helplines do not prescribe medication. They may guide callers toward psychiatrists, psychologists, or hospitals if medical treatment is required.
Are these helplines free of cost?
Yes. The helplines listed in this article provide free support.
Can family members or friends call on someone’s behalf?
Yes. Many helplines also support caregivers or family members seeking guidance on how to help someone else.
How do I choose the right mental health helpline in India?
Choosing the right mental health helpline depends on your needs. For immediate distress or risk of self-harm, contact a 24/7 crisis helpline such as Tele-MANAS, AASRA, or the Vandrevala Foundation. For non-emergency concerns like ongoing stress or anxiety, helplines such as iCALL or MPower Minds may be suitable. You can also choose based on language options, contact method, and operating hours.
Disclaimer: The Live Love Laugh Foundation (“TLLLF”) is not in the business of providing counselling services and does not own, operate or control the helpline numbers listed on the website. The helpline numbers are listed for referral purposes only, and TLLLF does not make any recommendations or guarantees regarding the quality of response and medical advice you might receive from any of the helplines. TLLLF does not endorse these helplines and makes no representations, warranties or guarantees as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the services provided by these entities. TLLLF disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of calls made to these helpline numbers.
