Chat Application in Development for National Mental Health Helpline

A dedicated chat application is being developed for the National Mental Health Helpline 1677 to make it easier for people to seek support without having to speak over the phone, the National Mental Health Department has said.

Speaking on state media, National Mental Health Department’s Social Service Coordinator Aishath Shooza said some people hesitate to use the helpline because they fear being identified or lack trust in the service.

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She said the helpline had previously focused on providing emergency support, but the department is now establishing a case management system to provide continued assistance to people whose needs cannot be addressed through a single intervention.

Shooza urged people experiencing stress, anxiety or panic attacks to seek help early, warning that leaving such difficulties unaddressed could increase the risk of prolonged mental health problems. She also highlighted the importance of managing stress, eating healthily, staying hydrated and exercising.

Senior Counsellor Shaina Muhsin, who also spoke on the programme, said fear of receiving a mental health diagnosis remained a barrier that prevented some people from seeking treatment. 

Shaina added that stress and worry were normal parts of daily life and encouraged people to believe that they could overcome such challenges with appropriate support.

The National Mental Health Helpline, 1677, operates 24 hours a day. Mental health care and treatment are also provided through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts.