I need help
Official help numbers (India)
BRAIN MEETS SOUL is an independent educational site. It is not run, endorsed or affiliated with the Government of India or any state government. Numbers last checked 5 October 2026; please confirm on the official site, telemanas.mohfw.gov.in. For state-specific services, use your state health department’s official website.
I may be in immediate danger
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services right away. If you can, tell someone near you and stay with them, or ask them to stay with you.
I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed
You deserve support, and you do not have to handle this alone. Some good first steps:
- Contact a counsellor, psychologist or doctor near you.
- Talk to a family member or friend you trust, and tell them how you are really feeling.
- At school or college, talk to a teacher or the counsellor there. At work, talk to someone you trust, or to a workplace support service if there is one.
- Right now: sit down, breathe out slowly a few times, and drink some water.
I am worried about someone
Warning signs: talking about wanting to die or being a burden, hopelessness, withdrawing, giving away belongings, big changes in sleep, mood or behaviour, saying goodbye.
- Listen: ask directly and calmly, “I’ve noticed… How are you really doing? Are you having thoughts of ending your life?” Asking does not put the idea in their head.
- What to say: “I’m glad you told me. You matter to me. I’m here, and we can find help together.”
- What not to say: “Think of your family”, “You have so much to live for”, “It’s not that bad”, or promising to keep it secret.
- Encourage help: offer to go with them to see a nearby counsellor or doctor.
- Involve a trusted person: a family member, friend, teacher or doctor. You do not have to handle it alone.
- Immediate safety: if you think they may act on thoughts soon, stay with them and contact your local emergency services.
For children and teens: tell a parent, teacher or school counsellor straight away.
▶️ Call 14416 – Tele MANAS: free, confidential mental health help, 24x7
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India · 1:26 min
A short video from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare about the national Tele MANAS helpline.
The video plays from the publisher's own YouTube channel. Nothing loads from YouTube until you press the button. Watch on YouTube