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Maharashtra government helpline to tackle rising trends in mental illness

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Even as rising lifestyle pressures, stress and addictions lead to an increase in psychological problems, the Maharashtra state government will launch its own mental health helpline for people in need of succour. While the helpline is for every citizen of the state, the government will see if the helpline can be of special help to farmers who may be feeling suicidal. In recent years, many farmers across the state have taken their own lives because of crop failure or debt.

The helpline can be accessed round-the-clock on the toll-free number 104. It is part of the outreach services, which will also send field workers to people who need urgent intervention. The Maharashtra government will be among the first states to have such a helpline.

"If a person has suicidal tendencies, has a sudden outburst, is depressed or mentally disturbed, this helpline will counsel him scientifically," Dr Satish Pawar, director general of health services (DGHS), Maharashtra told dna. He added that people in need of psychiatric help usually sought recourse to alcohol or other vices, which increased the problem; or depended on informal networks like friends for support.

"There is a need for mental health awareness... Here, just dispensing medicines like in case of other ailments will not do and the family too needs to stand by the person who is mentally disturbed. People must shed the notion that one who needs psychiatric care is mad. If treatment for mental illnesses is sought on time, they can surely overcome their problems," noted Pawar.

It is estimated that worldwide, one in every 100 individuals suffers from severe mental illnesses, and nearly 10 to 12 per 100 individuals may be suffering from minor mental disorders. Considering Maharashtra's population, it is estimated that there could be around eight to 10 lakh people suffering from mental illness, making this a major health problem, according to state health department figures.

Increasing numbers of people are seeking psychiatric help, say statistics from the four state-run mental hospitals. The number of patients in these hospitals located at Thane, Pune, Nagpur and Ratnagiri, have risen from 5,403 indoor and 83,294 outdoor patients in 2009-10 to 7,118 and 1,39,791 in 2013-14. Mental health experts attribute this rising trend to improved awareness and to increasing mental health problems fuelled by lifestyle demands.

"We will be training counsellors and laying down protocols. The helpline should be functional within a month or two," said Pawar. "We are looking at whether we can provide help to farmer suicide affected regions like Akola and Yavatmal," he added.

He added that if necessary, the helpline personnel will actively reach out to those in need of aid through the outreach service. "We are planning that in case anyone needs urgent care, our (field) staff will contact them," said Pawar, adding that the help to agriculturists could be provided in this way.

He added that the helpline had been approved under the mental health program of the union government. Incidentally, the number 104 is also used by the health department for its blood-on-call system, governance cell, helpline regarding the free generic medicine scheme in government hospitals, and other services.

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