The narrative surrounding mental health in India is undergoing a positive change. Millennials and Gen-Z now feel comfortable talking about their issues, going to therapy, and even sharing memes to further normalize it. This development was even reflected in the recent Budget announcement, where a national telemental health program was introduced to provide free 24/7 counseling and care to people.
increased awareness
While the pandemic has wreaked havoc on the lives of many, it has also revealed the gaps regarding certain issues in our system, mental health being one of them. Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Senior Psychiatrist, says, “As basic survival needs are met, people begin to focus on wellness. And with the extreme stress our current lifestyle puts us through, people can see the side effects. With social media allowing mental health professionals to reach a larger population, the taboo around mental health issues is being reduced.”
Arantha Mascarenhas, a 25-year-old resident of Mumbai, was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. While she had always had symptoms and swept them under the rug, when the world stopped in 2020, she was forced to face reality. “The exercises and methods taught during therapy have given me a whole new perspective. They showed me how to deal with my emotions, how to look at life through a positive lens, and most importantly, they gave me hope. I have learned not to let people’s negativity get to me. I’m not just surviving, I’m thriving,” she says.
As people become more comfortable with therapy, consultant psychiatrist Dr Kedar Tilwe says many are now walking alone to seek help. “They don’t hesitate to seek help for what were previously considered minor concerns, such as sleep disorders, anger management, and relationship problems,” he adds.
Maryse Saldanha, a music educator from Mumbai, started going to therapy after getting out of an abusive relationship. Initially, she was hesitant to seek help because she was afraid of being judged. But not anymore. While she’s open about it at work and with her friends, her family is still tough ground to cover. Coming from a conservative and religious background, she finds it more difficult to open up to them, she shares her. However, that doesn’t stop her. She says, “I think it’s important to normalize conversations about mental health and therapy because it benefits us in so many ways. As someone in the field of education, there is a lot of awareness and discussion around mental health, but it doesn’t necessarily extend to teachers in the same way, as there is a fear of being seen as less capable or ineffective.”
An expensive solution
But acceptance is not the only barrier to cross. With high prices, therapy and other related services remain unaffordable for many. Richa Vashista, a mental health expert, says: “While the conversation is changing in India, the stigma has not completely disappeared. People are suggested yoga or exercise for mental health problems instead of therapy because it is not very affordable or accessible. Sometimes even people who want to go to therapy question themselves because of the cost involved and the effort involved.”
Toll-free helplines, telepsychiatry services, community awareness, and increased community outreach can help bridge this gap. With occasional discounts and even free sessions, some therapists also try to reach out to those in need.
Indian celebrities keep the conversation alive
Deepika Padukone: Diagnosed with clinical depression in 2014, the actor said during a Clubhouse shoot last year: “I would feel empty and directionless. It just felt like life had no purpose. I got professional help in the form of a therapist and a psychiatrist… I have to work on myself every day so I can get to a place where I don’t go back to that space again.”
Kailash Kher: In a 2018 interview, the singer told HT, “I lost a lot of money and my world stopped. I was in depression for a year and had decided to take my own life. I jumped into the river, but a friend saved me. It’s not that I don’t get sad or depressed today. But I immerse myself in my music and all the pain slowly goes away.”
Anushka Sharma – On her social media in 2017, the actress said, “I have anxiety. And I’m treating my anxiety. Why am I saying this? Because it’s completely normal! More and more people should speak openly about it.“
Priyanka Chopra Jonas: In a recent appearance on a popular podcast, the actor shared, “There were times in my life, especially after my father died, where I didn’t know how to deal with it. Instead of facing it alone, I would look for people who really care about me… You have to find support.”
Hrithik Roshan: The actor has previously opened up about how the combination of his speech impediment and spinal scoliosis diagnosis left him feeling shattered at age 20. His dreams of becoming an actor were nullified by his doctors due to his “disability”. He added, “Life will bring you things to challenge you, but my mission is to live a good life.”
Celebrities tell us the truth
Shama Sikandar, actress (opened up about her battle with bipolar disorder and depression in 2021)
I feel that this is the best time to become aware of mental health. I am sure that many people must have been suffering in ancient times, but never had the means to understand what was happening to them and talk about it. It’s very important for all of us to keep a space and talk about our mental health and make sure that people also feel comfortable talking about it like they do any other physical illness.
Nidhi Kumar, social media influencer
For me, the key to stable mental health is all about the three Ts: Talk to a therapist today. As creators in the public eye, it’s important to make sure our fans see us as normal human beings with common problems, and that’s why I make it a point to talk to my fans about how and how I feel. No matter how old you are or what you’re doing, mental health issues can arise at any time and definitely need to be addressed.
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