Sleep disorder, stress major concerns in 18-45 age group
Sleep disturbances, stress, anxiety and relationship conflict remain major mental health concerns of people in the age group of 18-45 who turn to Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) for counselling.
Tele MANAS has reached a significant milestone, having handled over 14.5 lakh calls since its launch in October 2022. Nation-wide analyses of Tele MANAS shows that the majority of the callers on its helpline are men (56.15 per cent).
Rapid Assessment of Tele MANAS released by the health ministry on Thursday stated, “An overview of the type of complaints shows that the top four complaints relate to sleep disturbances (14 per cent), sadness of mood (14 per cent), stress-related (11 per cent) and anxiety (9 per cent). Overall, less than 3 per cent of total complaints have been identified as suicide-related cases. Relationship/familial conflict are reported by more women than men. Across the types of complaints, only three types of complaints — medical issues, multiple body aches and violence or trauma — are reported by more women than men.”
The report said counsellors receive most calls between 10 am and 2 pm. On Thursday, the health ministry launched the Tele MANAS app.
“The app has a library of information, including tips on self-care, recognising distress signals, managing early signs of stress, anxiety and emotional struggles. It facilitates engagement of the user through mind challenges, games and mindfulness practices providing a user-friendly experience. The app will help users connect for free and get confidential mental health support through trained mental health professionals across India, 24x7 for immediate counselling,” a statement from the government said.
Additional Secretary (health ministry) and Managing Director, National Health Mission, Aradhana Patnaik said, “Mental health is fundamental to health and plays a crucial role in enabling individuals, families and communities to function at their highest level, work productively and contribute to society. Unhealthy work environments and other unfavourable working conditions have an impact on one’s general health, well-being, mental health and involvement or productivity at work. There is a need for creating a good work environment and work-life balance for more productive results in the workplace.”
Create supportive work environment
Talking about mental health in the workplace, Dr Roderico H Ofrin, World Health Organisation representative to India, said issues like gender inequity, disrespectful unsupportive colleagues, lack of work-life balance, and job satisfaction lead to mental health challenges for the employees in the workplace. He emphasised the responsibility of employers and managers to create a supportive work environment.
