The most common problems reported by people who call the Mental Health Helpline of the Ministry of Social Justice are anxiety and depression. At the same time, in the second wave of epidemic, the number of calls increased in some states including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Haryana.
New Delhi: In the second wave of Corona, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress have become the most common problem among the people. According to the officials, these are the most common problems reported by people who call the Ministry of Social Justice Helpline. Many states have seen an increase in calls during the second wave of the epidemic.
According to data from the Department of Empowerment of Person with Disabilities (DEPwD), a total of 26,047 calls were received on the KIRAN helpline from September 16, 2020 to April 30. While the number of calls was reduced from March (3,617) to April (3,371). But There was an increase in some states including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Haryana, where the number of calls increased from 73 in March to 170 in April.
According to a senior official of a regional center at the helpline, in the last month, most callers had expressed concern about the second wave of epidemic after the Covid-19 diagnoses. The official said the increase in calls could be partly due to the promotion of helpline as Mental Health Resource related to Covid-19 during the second wave in this region.
According to the official, most of the callers were concerned about the Covid-19 situation, while some also inquired about vaccination and emergency service.
The helpline was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice on 1800-599-0019 on September 7, 2020 as Mental Health Rehabilitation Service. Callers are consulted first and connect with psychiatrists and other specialists as needed.