Pune: In a powerful Father’s Day 2025 message, the Mpower Mental Health Helpline – an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust – has released a revealing five-year analysis highlighting a growing mental health crisis among Indian men.
The data signals an encouraging trend: more men are actively reaching out for support, breaking long-held societal taboos around emotional vulnerability.
Between 2020 and 2025, the helpline recorded 19,750 male callers, with 2024 marking a peak of 8,362 calls – a dramatic spike pointing to increased awareness and willingness among men to seek help.
Over this period, the helpline delivered 141,212 hours of counseling, solidifying its role as a vital mental health resource nationwide.
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The Mpower Mental Health Helpline has also noted a clear evolution in the concerns expressed by men. While 2020 saw calls dominated by abuse, self-esteem issues, and suicidal ideation, later years reflected a rise in anxiety and depression.
Since 2022, relationship issues and long-term emotional distress have become more prominent, especially among new fathers experiencing feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and self-doubt.
Rima Bhandekar, Clinical Psychologist and Head of the Helpline, stated, “As we celebrate fathers, we must also recognize the silent mental health challenges they face. The emotional burden many men carry – especially new fathers – often remains unspoken. These aren’t signs of weakness, but valid indicators of distress that deserve attention, compassion, and care.”
She called for increased inclusion of men’s mental health in mainstream policy and support systems, urging for Acceptance, Action, and Advocacy to break stigma and build a gender-inclusive mental health ecosystem.
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The Mpower Mental Health Helpline is available 24×7 at 1800-120-820050, offering a confidential, judgment-free space for anyone seeking emotional support. With over 114,776 total calls received from individuals across genders, it continues to be a lifeline for thousands navigating emotional challenges.
Key Insights from the Mpower Mental Health Helpline:
- Total Male Callers (2020–2025): 19,750
- Peak Year: 2024, with 8,362 male callers
- Average Call Duration: 7.15 minutes for men, compared to 9.55 minutes for women
- Total Calls Received (All Genders): 114,776
