Coimbatore’s Mental Health Programme Assists Over 2,400 People in Two Years

COIMBATORE, Sept. 16, 2025 – In a significant step toward addressing mental health challenges, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in Coimbatore has successfully supported over 2,400 individuals with suicidal thoughts over the past two years. The initiative, run under the Tamil Nadu Health Department, provides counselling, crisis intervention, and awareness programmes for vulnerable populations across the district.

According to officials, the programme has received growing attention and engagement, especially in the wake of increased public awareness about mental health issues. A dedicated helpline, outreach services, and integration with government hospitals have helped the DMHP reach individuals from various walks of life – including youth, tribal communities, working professionals, and the transgender community.

Consistent Support for Mental Health Crisis

Dr. M. Helena Selvakodi, psychiatrist and nodal officer for the Coimbatore DMHP, reported that the team handles around 150 calls every month from people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation. These calls are made to a 24/7 helpline — 96556 51411 — where trained professionals offer immediate support and help callers move toward recovery.

“While we receive many calls for help, only about 120 people at any given time are enrolled in our active recovery programme,” said Dr. Selvakodi. “The stigma around mental health continues to be a challenge, as many people hesitate to come in for direct counselling or therapy.”

Programmes and Outreach

The DMHP’s services extend beyond emergency counselling. The team also conducts awareness campaigns, mental health education sessions in schools and colleges, and focused outreach in communities that often lack access to psychological support.

Special efforts have been made to reach:

• Adolescents and young adults, particularly those struggling with academic pressure or relationship issues.

• Women and girls, in response to a recent uptick in mental health concerns among female callers.

• Transgender individuals and tribal populations, with culturally appropriate intervention models.

• Victims of sexual violence, including those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

• Substance abuse cases, in collaboration with de-addiction services.

When necessary, individuals are referred to government medical institutions, such as the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH), or to facilities in Pollachi and Mettupalayam, for psychiatric consultation or inpatient care.

Emergency Care and Institutional Support

In addition to counselling and telephonic intervention, the district’s mental health ecosystem includes Emergency Care and Recovery Centres (ECRCs) that cater to destitute individuals with severe mental illness. These centres offer short-term shelter, treatment, and rehabilitation support.

The CMCH is also preparing to expand its mental health facilities, with plans to establish a new recovery centre specifically for mentally ill destitute patients, further strengthening Coimbatore’s mental health infrastructure.

Youth and Suicide Prevention

Dr. Selvakodi emphasized that suicide prevention remains a top priority. “The majority of cases we deal with involve individuals between the ages of 15 and 29,” she said. “In many cases, the issues are linked to failed relationships, substance use, or family pressure. Our goal is to reach them before they take an irreversible step.”

Although men historically make up the majority of suicide-related cases, the DMHP team noted an increase in women seeking help, which they believe reflects better outreach and growing trust in the system.

Barriers to Mental Health Access

Despite the success of the programme, several challenges remain:

• Stigma and fear prevent many from seeking help in person.

• Limited staffing — the core DMHP team includes just two psychiatrists, a psychologist, a psychiatric social worker, and a data operator.

• Follow-up issues, with some patients discontinuing treatment due to family resistance or lack of awareness.

To address these concerns, the DMHP plans to expand public awareness campaigns and train more community health workers in basic psychological first aid.

Looking Ahead

Health officials believe that the Coimbatore DMHP model could serve as a blueprint for other districts. By combining phone-based counselling, hospital-based care, and community outreach, it has created a support system that helps individuals navigate crises and begin the path to recovery.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health,” said Dr. Selvakodi. “With continued public support, more funding, and strong leadership, we can save lives and improve well-being across the district.”

The programme encourages anyone in distress to reach out to the helpline at 96556 51411, which operates 24/7.