Mpower, a leading holistic mental health care provider under the Aditya Birla Education Trust founded by Mrs. Neerja Birla, has released a consolidated five-year analysis of its helpline data, counselling ecosystem and youth outreach programmes. The findings reveal a steady increase in mental health concerns among Indian men, with more individuals seeking support than ever before. Yet, emotional strain continues to intensify, especially among younger and working-age groups.
Younger Men Show Highest Vulnerability and Engagement
Over the review period, Mpower engaged with an estimated 2.83 lakh men across all service channels. Young men between 18 and 25 years formed the largest segment. Youth-focused programmes alone reached approximately 2,07,350 young men through early-intervention initiatives, screenings, campus engagements, community projects and multi-city outreach drives. This surge indicates both the heightened vulnerability of this age group and their growing openness to mental health conversations when support is easily accessible.
Working-Age Men Prefer Anonymous Helpline Support
Among men aged 26 to 40, help-seeking behaviour was most visible on the 24×7 Mpower 1on1 helpline, which received 75,702 male callers between 2022 and 2025. Many callers chose anonymity, highlighting the stigma and fear of judgment that often deter men from seeking in-person services. Relationship issues, depression and stress accounted for 16,698 calls, underscoring the emotional and interpersonal pressures driving men to seek help. Notably, 40% of callers reported reduced stress by the end of the call, demonstrating the impact of timely, empathetic support.
Urban and Semi-Urban Areas Show High Participation
Urban and semi-urban regions displayed strong engagement levels. Pune led with 1,13,435 young male beneficiaries, while Mumbai supported 53,657 young men through clinical services and outreach. Additionally, Rajasthan, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa and Hyderabad collectively contributed over 40,000 young male engagements. These numbers reflect the widespread mental health needs cutting across geography and community settings.
Key Mental Health Challenges Men Reported
Across helplines and outreach programmes, men frequently reported:
• Stress and burnout
• Depression and anxiety
• Relationship distress
• Academic and work pressure
• Family conflict
• Low self-esteem and loneliness
• Financial instability
Many men also shared difficulty expressing emotions and often coped by suppressing feelings, withdrawing socially or overworking. Some reported turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use. These patterns reflect cultural expectations that discourage men from acknowledging psychological distress.
Clinical Expertise Available Across Major Cities
Mpower’s clinical network ensures access to qualified mental health professionals in key metros, offering:
• Mumbai – support from leading psychiatrists
• Kolkata – services provided by top psychiatrists
• Bangalore – access to experienced mental health experts
• Pune – comprehensive care by trusted specialists
• Delhi – a strong clinical team offering expert psychiatric care
This multi-city presence enables timely, professional support for men nationwide.
Expanding Services to Create Safe Spaces for Men
As per the press release, Mpower continues to strengthen mental health services for men through clinical care, multilingual helplines, university and school programmes, early screenings, community initiatives and capacity-building workshops. Mpower combines clinical expertise with proactive outreach. It aims to create safe, stigma-free environments where men of all ages can seek support openly.
24×7 Professional Support Available
For individuals needing immediate and confidential assistance, Mpower’s 1on1 Mental Health Toll-Free Helpline remains available round-the-clock at 1800-120-820050.