Centre launches helpline for mental health issues during lockdown

government has launched a toll-free helpline number – 08046110007 -- for people who may face any mental health issue due to ongoing countrywide lockdown to contain spre of coronavirus.

In its daily briefing on coronavirus situation in country, health ministry said on Sunday National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, has launched number.

¨We are under a lockdown and behavioural issues are very important under such situations. It is a new process. If re are any behavioural issues, lack of understanding for that we at National Institute of Mental Health in Bangalore in collaboration with all or institutes has been trying to provide guidance.

¨National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) has also launched a toll free number 08046110007. I request everyone to fight unitedly against this disease so if we see any mental health issues n all institutes are equipped to provide you with necessary support,” said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health at press briefing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi h anunced a nationwide lockdown on March 24 for 21 days in order to arrest spre of coronavirus.

Earlier, WHO h warned that coronavirus crisis and restrictive measures that many countries are taking to contain outbreak can have a negative impact on people's mental health and well-being.

number of confirmed cases in India as on Sunday stood at 979, including 25 deaths.

Im Credits: ANI