Disclaimer: The helpline numbers are listed for referral purposes only, and I do not make any recommendations or guarantees regarding the quality of response and medical advice you might receive from any of the helplines. I do not endorse these helplines and make no representations, warranties or guarantees as to, and assume no responsibility for, the services provided by these entities. I disclaim all liability for damages of any kind arising out of calls made to these helpline numbers.
In India, the conversation around mental health is often silenced by deep-rooted cultural stigmas. For generations, mental health struggles have been misunderstood, labeled as weakness, or kept hidden within families to protect "honor." This silence creates barriers, preventing millions from seeking the support they deserve.
However, the tide is slowly turning. Acknowledging the need for help is a sign of immense strength, not weakness. Access to resources, helplines, and open conversations are the first steps toward breaking this cycle. Below, you will find a curated list of free resources available to support you or your loved ones on this journey.
| Institute/Organization | Phone Number | Languages | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tele MANAS
Govt. of India Initiative
|
14416 | English + 20 Regional Languages | https://telemanas.mohfw.gov.in/home |
|
Vandrevala Foundation
|
9999666555 | English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, etc. | https://www.vandrevalafoundation.com/ |
|
MPower Minds
|
1800-120-820050 | English, Hindi, Marathi | https://mpowerminds.com/oneonone |
|
iCALL (TISS)
|
022-25521111 | Hindi, English, Marathi, etc. | https://icallhelpline.org/ |
|
Sumaitri
|
011-23389090 | Hindi, English | https://www.sumaitri.net/ |
|
Voice That Cares
|
8448-8448-45 | English, Hindi, Telugu | https://rocf.org/voice-that-cares/ |
|
Connecting Trust
|
+91-9922001122 | English, Hindi, Marathi | https://connectingngo.org/programs/distress-helpline-program/ |
|
Lifeline Foundation
|
033-40447437 | English, Hindi, Bengali | https://www.lifelinefoundation.in/ |
|
Aasra
|
+91-9820466726 | English, Hindi | https://www.aasra.info/helpline.html |
|
Sneha India
|
+91 44 2464 0050 | English, Tamil | https://snehaindia.org/new/ |
For those looking to learn yoga with guidance, Ambika Yoga Kutir offers free online and offline yoga classes across many branches. These are conducted by trained instructors, ensuring you practice safely and correctly.
A completely free, comprehensive 8-week online MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) self-study course. This is a highly recommended resource for learning mindfulness techniques in a structured format at your own pace.
For any situation you might be dealing with in life, just go to the Declutter The Mind YouTube channel and find relevant meditation for your current situation. Spend some time listening carefully and explore if that helps.
If you are dealing with a narcissist in your personal life or relationships, it can be incredibly confusing and isolating. I strongly recommend following the work of Dr. Ramani. Her content offers validation, explanation, and strategies for navigating these difficult dynamics.
If you are dealing with health issues linked to nutrition, it is often better to learn the fundamentals yourself rather than following random advice on the internet. You might consider structured courses like those by Santushti by Lavleen to educate yourself properly.
If dealing with mental health issues, I do not encourage solving them by yourself by just watching YouTube videos or opting solely for online courses which are not live facilitator based. I highly encourage attending in-person programs if that is an option for you. Furthermore, please prioritize seeking guidance from individuals who have proper accreditation in their respective domains.
