Blog, Resources & Articles
Short, sourced answers to common mental health questions, the research behind them, and where to get help in India. Written by the Mindly Health team from NHS, WHO and Government of India sources.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Articles
What to do during a panic attack
A panic attack is a sudden rush of intense fear with physical symptoms such as a racing heart and breathlessness. It feels frightening but is not…
AnxietySigns of depression: how to tell sadness from depression
Everyone feels low sometimes. Depression is low mood or loss of interest that lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for more than two weeks, and…
DepressionBurnout or depression? How they differ
Burnout is a work-related state of exhaustion, cynicism about your job and reduced effectiveness. The World Health Organization classifies it as an…
Work and stressADHD in adults: signs and when to get assessed
Adult ADHD shows up as trouble with attention and organisation, and sometimes restlessness or impulsiveness. Symptoms start in childhood, usually…
ADHDWhat is OCD? Signs and treatment
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition with unwanted, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts…
OCDHow long do antidepressants take to work?
Antidepressants often start to help within one to two weeks and can take up to eight weeks to work fully. Treatment usually continues for at least…
MedicinesMental health helplines in India
In an emergency, call 112. For free mental health support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS, the Government of India helpline, on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416…
HelplinesWhat people ask psychiatrists: 12 common questions, answered
People often wonder whether they need a psychiatrist, whether they will be put on medicine, and who will find out. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor…
Seeing a psychiatrist
Research and official guidance
- National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16: Summary
NIMHANS and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. About 10.6% of adults had a mental disorder at the time of the survey, and about 13.7% at some point in their lives, with large treatment gaps. - The burden of mental disorders across the states of India: the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2017
The Lancet Psychiatry, 2020. A state-by-state study of how mental disorders affect health across India. - Teletherapy versus in-person psychotherapy for depression: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed. A review of randomised trials comparing video therapy with in-person therapy for depression. - Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, 2020
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with NITI Aayog. The rules for online consultations by registered doctors in India. - The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
Government of India. The law that protects the rights of people with mental illness in India. - WHO India: Depression
World Health Organization. WHO facts on depression, its causes and its treatment.
Free helplines in India
- 112: 112. National emergency number: police, ambulance and fire, 24 hours.
- Tele-MANAS (Government of India): 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. Free, confidential mental health support, 24 hours, in many Indian languages.
- iCall (TISS): 9152987821. Free counselling by psychologists, Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 9 PM IST. Closed on Sundays.
- Vandrevala Foundation: +91 9999 666 555. Free mental health helpline, 24 hours, every day, by phone call or WhatsApp.
- NIMHANS psychosocial support helpline: 080-46110007. NIMHANS free psychosocial support helpline, 24 hours.
More guides: patient guides, resources, conditions we treat.
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.