The State government in collaboration with The Poddar Foundation has joined Wellbeing Volunteers United to reach out to people who need mental health assistance by launching a toll free helpline numbers: 1-800-121-0980 / International – 9999720986.
With the current scenario, the nation is emerging as a hotbed of mental health challenges, the lockdown, uncertainty of situations and shortage of food supply are creating despair and confusion in the minds of the citizens which in turn is taking a huge toll on their lives.
This initiative is a coordinated effort to help these people deal with their mental frustration and illness to address the disturbing progression of depression, anxiety, self-care and substance abuse if any.
The pre-existing Women’s Helpline 181 with trained counsellors have been overlooking and safeguarding the interest of the women in the state of Goa. These trained counsellors have come forth to be a part of Wellbeing Volunteers and assist in this. This initiative will help generate meaningful conversations, which can make a person more receptive in bringing about a change in him/herself.
Sharing his views on this initiative, Vishwajit Rane, Health Minister, said, “As a Health Minister of the State, I feel that it is not just the physical health but also the mental well-being of the citizens of Goa that needs to be strong and united in this pandemic situation that we are facing. I will take all necessary steps to protect our people and I’m confident that our collaboration with The Poddar Foundation will help us achieve our objective.”
Dr Prakriti Poddar, Managing Trustee, Poddar Foundation said, “Mental health is a huge yet an understated challenge in India and is commonly prevalent in all age groups. According to the National Mental Health Survey 2015-16, at least 10 million 13 to 17-year olds have mental health problems and 9.8 million adolescents need active intervention to treat their illnesses. 47 per cent of the elderly go through mental health challenges. “This is an epidemic and it needs to be curbed. Unfortunately, a large number of people with mental health issues fail to find medical help,” she added.
At Wellbeing Volunteers United, their aim is to bring together multiple organizations with capacities in different domains to launch a collective effort towards tackling the un-addressed disease burden. They aim to work together to reach out to the maximum number of people with innovative strategies.
Dr Poddar further added, “Various studies have shown that people need more support than our existing systems and practitioners can provide which is why I have thrown my weight behind Wellbeing Volunteers United in its effort to build a collective of people with purpose in their heart and know-how of specific problems the right application of which helps in restoring happiness among citizens dealing with tough problems.”
