A few weeks back, just when we thought that the COVID-19 crisis in our country might be settling down—and an occasional trip to the neighbourhood cafe wasn’t all that threatening—our Instagram feeds began to paint a true picture of the times we were about to witness. Today, we are scrolling and swiping through desperate requests from people in need of relief resources for their loved ones. While social media has mobilised help in a way our infrastructure was unable to, and many could find the aid they needed in critical times, what was once an escape from reality is now an overwhelming source of information and distressing news.
That—combined with our altered social, professional and academic lives—has given way to emotional upheaval for everyone. Whether or not we’ve been personally affected by the disease, many of us are struggling with feelings of grief, anxiety, low moods, numbness or panic, or are unable to focus or be productive. Talking to a mental professional can help you find the tools to manage your distress, or at the very least, give you an open, non-judgemental space to talk about your concerns. Ahead, we’ve curated a verified list of organisations pan-India that are offering telephonic as well as online counselling, that could come in handy if you or someone you know is seeking mental health help. Many of the resources on this list are free-of-cost or available for a minimal fee, for people for whom cost might be a barrier.
NIMHANS
One of India’s most sought-after institutions for mental health and neuroscience education, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, is offering free psychosocial support and mental health services to people experiencing stress, anxiety, fear or any kind of emotional discomfort during the pandemic. A team of professional psychologists and psychiatrists is available to help Indian residents 24 hours a day, through a toll-free number.
Peak Mind
Taking care of an ailing family member, dealing with someone’s demise or just being homebound and witnessing the current state of affairs can impact your mental health. But Peak Mind believes that making your emotions work for you rather than against you is key to successfully passing through the choppy waters. Schedule your first session with Peak Mind to talk to a mentor trained in your counselling topic. Each session is usually priced at Rs 1,999, but the service has been heavily subsidised right now given the need.
Therapize India
Therapize India asked therapy speakers about the barriers to accessing mental healthcare today, and 40 per cent of them claimed that “affordability and a lack of transparency around therapy fees is a big hurdle”. And so, the organisation has launched low-cost COVID Support Circles for people dealing with grief, burnout and anxiety. You get access to four sessions for Rs 250, starting next month.
Sumaitri
A crisis intervention centre for people experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, Sumaitri offers telephonic counselling conducted by trained volunteers, seven days a week, from 2 pm to 6:30 pm.
Mpower 1 on 1
In collaboration with the Maharashtra Government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mpower has launched a toll-free mental health support helpline at the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Giving you access to trained professionals 24 hours a day, the free service can be availed by anyone above the age of 18.
Sneha
A suicide prevention organisation based in Chennai, Sneha offers emotional support to anyone feeling distressed or suicidal. Run by a group of volunteers, the service is available from 10AM to 10PM every day. The experts at the centre are also providing support through email.
Fortis Stress Helpline
Launched in 2016 for students and parents dealing with exam stress, the Fortis Stress Helpline offers mental health support in over 15 languages. The 24-hour service is taking emergency calls and offering instant responses every day.
Kashmir Lifeline
If you’re in Srinagar or anywhere around the Kashmir Valley, Kashmir Lifeline offers an anonymous one-to-one conversation with a trained professional, free of cost. A project by Healing Minds Foundation, it also gives you the option to seek support through chat or email. The service is open from Sunday to Thursday, 10AM to 5PM.
Now&Me
If you need to let out your feelings but are hesitant to talk to a friend or counsellor on a one-on-one basis, this platform allows you to share your experiences anonymously with compassionate strangers. The 24-hour moderation keeps bullies away and users get a trigger warning before they’re shown any sensitive content. Now&Me has hosted teenagers, adults and senior citizens alike, who come to talk about everything from relationships to sexual orientation, family and more.
Mastermind Foundation
If you’re experiencing disturbed sleeping patterns, panic attacks, depressive episodes or any other emotional challenges, Mastermind Foundation offers over 60 psychologists to help you through the same. Their services can be availed round the clock and in 11 languages. You can find the individual contacts of the professionals, along with their available hours on the website.
Parivarthan Counselling Helpline
Operated by 15 trained, certified and multi-lingual counsellors, the Parivarthan Counselling Helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 1PM to 10PM. It caters to all age groups and provides immediate support and crisis intervention during an emergency.
Arpan
The Mumbai-based organisation, which works to address the issue of child sexual abuse in India, has launched a free helpline service for people in need of mental health support during these uncertain times. Their trained professionals also offer chat-based counselling via direct messaging on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. The facility is available from Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM.
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health
The organisation offers multi-lingual phone counselling round the clock. The sessions are free of cost and conducted by experienced clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. Their helpline also has arrangements with public services such as the police, ambulance and hospitals for emergency situations.
AASRA
If you or someone you know is undergoing trauma, feeling suicidal or experiencing an emotional crisis after a distressing event, the professionally-trained volunteers at AASRA offer active listening 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The phone counselling service is available in English and Hindi. Call the helpline number to get connected with a suitable therapist.
SAHAI Helpline
Predominantly initiated for suicide prevention among all age groups, Bengaluru-based SAHAI now offers aid to children, young adults and adults going through emotional upheaval. Their committed team of volunteers includes teachers, professionals and students who have been trained at NIMHANS and the Medico Pastoral Association along with Rotary Bangalore East. The phone counselling can be availed from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 8PM.
Snehi
Promoting mental wellbeing particularly among children and adolescents since 1994, the NGO understands how the pandemic—and the consequential academic and social switch—can impact the formative mind of a child. Hence, the organisation has extended support during this time of crisis through free telephonic consultations. If your child is struggling with distress, connect with the organisation through their helpline number between 10AM and 10PM.
Lifeline Foundation
The Kolkata-based non-profit organisation is offering a dedicated service to anyone who needs help with grief or a mental illness, through telephonic therapy seven days a week, from 10AM to 10PM. The meticulously trained volunteers also conduct workshops and awareness campaigns.
Source-Vogue
