About the Initiative

An initiative of OMPHI Foundation, Psychologists for India is an organized group of passionate and trained volunteers who have joined hands to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through this helpline we provide safe, empathetic and non-judgemental yet active listening to individuals who may be experiencing a range of difficult emotions. We provide an interim and immediate support and guidance in times of crisis and help the individual in cases of life risk to reach out to more adequate support systems.

Our major focus is to augment the public infrastructure of healthcare during COVID.

Healthcare in India: Current Scenario

India has a total workforce of 52 crore individuals. 20% or 10 crore individuals are migrant workers and 90% of the total workforce are in the informal sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disturbances in the physical, psychological, social, and financial well-being at individual as well as community levels.

8 crore of migrants can no longer afford the burden of staying put in urban areas1
20% rise in mental illness cases as per Indian Psychiatric Society 3
42.5% of India suffer from depression or some form anxiety disorder5
An estimated 122 million people lost their jobs in April alone and three-quarters of these were small traders and wage labourers 2
25-30% migrant labourers show signs of high anxiety and depression4
Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and frustration due to isolation are commonly experienced feelings6

Our Impact

Since our inception in June 2020, we have made a significant impact and are helping the common citizen better manage their mental health. We thank all our volunteers and collaborators for their efforts.

1000+

Senior Citizens living in poor areas

100+

Shop Workers in Delhi

500+

General employees laid off from factories supported

150+

Volunteer Psychologists

1500+

General Calls Supported

Multiple

Language Capabilities

For Collaborations, contact us at

PHONE : +91 7838086438

EMAIL : care@omphi.org

References

1. Rout, S. K. (2020, May 07). Helping migrant workers: From clearing pending wages to providing food, govt must step up vigilance. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/migrant-workers-daily-wage-laborers-coronavirus-lockdown-food-wages-helping-migrant-workers-govt/1951336/

2. Vyas, M. (2020, May 04). India has a jobs bloodbath as unemployment rate shoots up to 27.1%. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/the-jobs-bloodbath-of-april-2020-120050400524_1.html

3. Loiwal, M. (2020, March 31). 20% increase in patients with mental illness since coronavirus outbreak: Survey. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/20-per-cent-increase-in-patients-with-mental-illness-since-coronavirus-outbreak-survey-1661584-2020-03-31

4. Khandekar, O. (2020, May 01). How Bengaluru counsels its stranded migrants. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/how-bengaluru-counsels-its-stranded-migrants-11588302745545.html

5. Contributors, E. (2018, October 10). World Mental Health Day: Nearly half of India Inc employees suffer from depression. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/world-mental-health-day-nearly-half-of-india-inc-employees-suffer-from-depression/articleshow/66119215.cms?from=mdr

6. Birla, N. (2020, May 23). Lockdown has affected mental health of many – what needs to be done to avoid panic. Retrieved June 18, 2020, from https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/lockdown-has-affected-mental-health-of-many-what-needs-to-be-done-to-avoid-panic/1968040/

To ensure safety, we keep the conversations between the caller and the counsellor confidential. The calls are recorded for supervision purpose only.

© All Rights Reserved By OMPHI Foundation