Who is this guide for?
This guide is for students and young people who feel stressed, worried, sad or alone, and for parents and friends who want to help. After reading it, you will know which free helplines you can call today, and some simple things that help.
If you or someone else is in danger right now, call 112. For a child under 18, you can also call 1098.
Is it okay to ask for help?
Yes. Exams, family problems, money worries, friendships and looking for work can all feel heavy. Many young people feel this way. Talking to someone is a sign of strength, not weakness, and help is free.
Who can you call?
| Helpline | Number | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Tele-MANAS | 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 | Free, confidential support from trained mental health counsellors, day and night, in 20 Indian languages. Run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. |
| Tamil Nadu student helpline | 14417 | Tamil Nadu School Education Department helpline for students: feeling unsafe, harassment, exam worries and career guidance. |
| Child Helpline | 1098 | For any child under 18 who is unsafe, abused or in trouble. Free, day and night. |
| Emergency | 112 | When someone is in danger right now. |
What happens when you call Tele-MANAS?
You speak to a trained counsellor. You can tell them as much or as little as you like. They listen, help you think through what is happening, and if you need more help, they can connect you to a mental health professional or a service near you.
Small things that help
- Talk to one person you trust: a parent, a teacher, a friend or a relative.
- Keep a routine: regular sleep, meals and a short walk each day.
- Break big tasks into small steps, especially before exams.
- Take a break from your phone for some time each day, especially before sleeping.
- Be kind to yourself. One bad mark or one failed interview does not decide your future.
These help with everyday stress. If you feel low most days for more than two weeks, or you think about hurting yourself, please call Tele-MANAS on 14416 today.
For parents and teachers
- Notice changes: a child who stops eating, sleeping, talking or going to school may be struggling.
- Ask gently, and listen without scolding.
- Do not wait. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 for advice on how to help.
Need help?
SEEDbridge volunteers can help you find a counsellor or the right service. Ask our volunteers. Our volunteers are not counsellors, so if you need to talk to someone today, call 14416.