Pillar: Pause & Reflect
In short: This is a short, real list of mental health and crisis helplines, in India first, then around the world. Nothing here is for sale. Nothing here needs a reply. Just save what feels useful, for the day you or someone you know might need it.
A Quiet Kind of List
Most weeks on this blog end with a slower post. This week, it’s simply a list.
Not a promotion. Not a call to action. Just names, numbers, and a small note on who each one is for. Some of these you may never call. Some, you might save for a friend, a student, a neighbor. That’s enough.
A number saved today can matter far more on a hard night than any advice read in advance.
In India, First
Tele-MANAS — A free line run by the government. Open 24/7, in more than 20 languages. Call 14416 or 1-800-891-4416.
KIRAN — A 24/7 line run by a government ministry. Call 1800-599-0019.
Women Helpline (181) — A 24/7 line for women facing violence of any kind, including at home. Free and private. Call 181.
NCW Women Helpline (14490) — Run by the National Commission for Women. It links women to police, hospitals, and legal aid. Call 14490.
Vandrevala Foundation — A 24/7 line for anyone in crisis. Call 1860-266-2345 or 9999-666-555.
iCall (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) — Free counselling by phone, Monday to Saturday. Call 9152987821.
AASRA — A Mumbai-based line for people in crisis, open 24/7. Call +91 98204 66726.
Sumaitri — A Delhi-based crisis line for anyone feeling low, distressed, or suicidal. Run by trained volunteers. Call 011-23389090.
Fortis Stress Helpline — A 24/7 line staffed by trained mental health staff, in over 15 languages. Call +91-8376804102.
CHILDLINE — India’s line for children and teens in distress. Open 24/7. Call 1098.
Around the World
World Health Organization (WHO) — Shares mental health data and tools for each country. Visit who.int.
World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) — The group behind World Mental Health Day. It works in more than 150 countries. Visit wfmhglobal.org.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States) — Call or text 988, open 24/7.
Mind (United Kingdom) — Info, support, and a helpline for anyone struggling. Visit mind.org.uk.
Befrienders Worldwide — A network of crisis lines active in more than 30 countries. Visit befrienders.org.
One Line to Carry Into the Week
Save one number from this list today, even if you never think you’ll need it.
Rooh, the author of “When Unicorns Don’t Fly,” has spent years learning which of these numbers actually pick up. This list only includes ones that do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mental health helpline to call in India? It depends on the need. Tele-MANAS (14416) is a free, government-run option covering most concerns, in over 20 languages, 24/7.
Is there a free helpline for domestic violence in India? Yes. The Women Helpline (181) is a free, 24/7, national line for women facing violence, including at home.
Are these helplines confidential? Yes. Every line here is free and private. None of them need your name.