We are all under a 21-day lockdown which might extend even further if the number of cases of the novel coronavirus in India keep increasing. As of today, March 30, the total number of cases has risen to 1071 – which includes 942 active cases, 99 cured cases and 29 deaths.
While there are thousands of workers stranded on the road with no relief in the sight, those with the privilege of staying at home are constantly neck deep in news reports which leave them feeling like the world is crashing down around them.
This has taken a toll on the mental health of several students and young professionals, who have been complaining about having nightmares, panic attacks and anxiety ever since the nation-wide lockdown was announced. The situation is even worse for those who have been diagnosed with clinical depression.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 90 million Indians suffer from some mental disorder and a study by the India’s National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) – an autonomous institution under the Union ministry of health and family welfare – nearly 150 million Indians need active intervention but less than 30 million are getting it.
We have put together a list of helpline numbers, email addresses and online portals for you to dial in, text or engage with if you are in need of help or are merely looking for someone to speak with.
1. NIMHANS :
The ministry of health and family welfare has launched a helpline number to take questions on deteriorating mental health during during lockdown. You can call on : 08046110007
NIMHANS launches helpline number to address mental health issues amid #coronavirus outbreak.
(Source: @PIB_India) #CoronavirusPandemic #CoronavirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/ah5bICYB9b
— NDTV (@ndtv) March 29, 2020
2. Vandrevala Foundation
The organisation provides a 24×7 number for people going through distress. You can dial in +917304599836/37
Email: help@vandrevalafoundation.com
3. Fortis Mental Health Stress Helpline
The mental health specialists of the hospital are available at +918376804102. The hospital launched the helpline number in 2016 specifically for students and parents to help them deal with stress during examination.
Email: priya.bendre@mentalhealthcare.com
4. Psychoanalytic Therapy and Research Centre, Mumbai
The organisation has been working in Mumbai for the last 40 years, providing mental health therapy and training in the field.
Call on: +91 22 22813735
Email: ptrcentre@yahoo.co.in
5. Children First
The organisation offers online therapy to children and people in other age brackets.
You can either message them at +99650044774. You can also mail your queries at pooja.jain@childrenfirstindia.com
6. Tata Institute of Social Sciences icall
The college provides telephone-based counselling for those in need.
Telephone-based counselling: 022-25521111
Email: icall@tiss.edu
7. Samaritans Mumbai
The organisation provides mental health support seven days a week, 5 pm to 8 pm.
Mobile number: +918422984528/29/30
Email: talk2samaritans@gmail.com
8. Therapy in India
This portal provides a list of helpline numbers and contact details of therapist in your state/area.
Website: www.therapyindia.com
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You can also check out these mobile applications to deal with stress and anxiety:
- Headspace
- Calm
- Quit That!
- PTSD Coach
- Mind Shift
Featured image credit: Fabian Moller/ Unsplsh