126% surge in calls from men on mental health helpline shows shift in attitudes, reveals data on Father’s Day
Urban Indian men are increasingly opening up about their mental health struggles, as indicated by a significant rise in calls to mental health helplines over the past five years. According to Mpower, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, there has been a 126% increase in male callers seeking help from 2020 to 2024, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Relationship issues and anxiety are top concerns among male callers, pointing to shifting mindsets around emotional well-being.
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The data, released on the occasion of Father’s Day, highlights that men are not only reaching out more frequently but are also spending more time discussing their challenges
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Relationship troubles and anxiety rank as the most common issues
The shift is notable in a country where mental health remains a stigmatized topic—particularly for men, who have long been socially conditioned to suppress emotions. According to national data, India’s male suicide rate stands at 14.2 per 100,000, underscoring the urgency of addressing men’s mental health needs.
Mental health experts say this trend could be a hopeful indicator of changing societal norms and growing awareness. Continued efforts through campaigns, education, and workplace support could help normalize seeking help for emotional and psychological distress.
