Bengaluru: As the city prepares to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, suicide prevention helplines continue to receive a high volume of distress calls. Relationship issues, academic stress, financial strain, and job-related pressures top the list of concerns, with many callers being adolescents and young adults.

Arpita Foundation

Since 2019, the Arpita Foundation helpline has handled over 30,000 calls, with 150–200 calls every month. Around 30–35 of these are from Bengaluru.

  • Top concerns: 60–70% relationship issues, 10% addictions, 10–20% academic stress.
  • Age group: Mostly 13–35 years.
  • Team: 20+ trained volunteers.
  • Approach: Counsellors use pseudonyms and encourage callers to return to the same counsellor for continuity.

📞 080 23655557 (9 am to 9 pm, all days)

Sahai

Operated by the Medico Pastoral Association, Sahai has been active for 22 years. Between July 2024 and June 2025, it received 718 calls.

  • Top concerns: Mental health (240), relationships (111), suicidal thoughts (50), job-related stress (45).
  • Age group: Mostly 18–29 years.
  • Notable issues: Ragging, bullying, and financial troubles.
  • Follow-up: About 25% of callers return, with some in touch for over five years.

📞 080 2549 7777 (Mon–Sat, 10 am–5.30 pm)

Cadabam’s 24/7 Helpline

Since 2017, Cadabam’s helpline has emerged as a major crisis support service. Between June and September 2025 alone, it handled 17,000+ calls, nearly 8,000 suicide-related.

  • Monthly volume: 4,500–5,000 calls.
  • Age group: 13 to 80, with adolescents and young adults forming the majority.
  • Top concerns: Anxiety, depression, toxic relationships, addiction, trauma.
  • Approach: Crisis de-escalation (like deep breathing) and 3–4 follow-up calls over 10 days.

📞 97414 76476 (24×7, all days)

Sa-Mudra Yuva Helpline

Launched in 2008, the Sa-Mudra Yuva Helpline provides free psychological support, particularly to students, youth, and women.

  • Monthly volume: 200+ calls.
  • Age group: 14–60 years, mostly students and young professionals.
  • Team: 3 trained mental health professionals.
  • Policy: Two free calls; later calls may be charged based on financial background.
  • Follow-up: Telecallers check in multiple times after high-risk calls.

📞 98803 96331 (Mon–Sat, 10 am–5 pm)

Govt-run Tele-MANAS Helpline

The Tele-MANAS helpline, run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, provides free mental health support across India in over 20 languages.

  • Confidentiality: Calls are not recorded.
  • Approach: Trained counsellors offer immediate help, followed by check-in calls within 1–2 weeks.
  • Assurance: “No call goes unanswered, and missed calls are returned,” a representative said.

📞 Toll-free: 14416 / 1-800-891-4416 (24×7, all days)

Conclusion

Bengaluru’s helplines highlight the scale of the city’s mental health crisis, particularly among its younger population. With relationship conflicts, academic struggles, and financial stress driving distress, these support lines continue to serve as critical lifelines for those in need.