The COVID-19 pandemic has increased mental health problems around the world in people of all ages. The stigma associated with mental health issues makes the situation in India even more alarming.
According to a 2017 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report, nearly one in seven people suffer from mental disorders of varying severity in India. Depression and anxiety disorders were the most prevalent, affecting 45.7 million and 44.9 million people, respectively.
A National Mental Health Survey in 2015-16 indicated that 15% of adults in India require treatment for one or more mental health disorders. The survey also states that one in 20 people is depressed and 1 in 40 has experienced depression in the past. The resulting pandemic has made the situation worse.
Over the years, many non-profit organizations (NGOs) have been stepping up to help and raise awareness of mental illness. According giveawayIndiahHere are some of them:
The MINDS Foundation
The MINDS Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Telangana with a grassroots approach to removing stigma and providing medical, educational and moral support to mentally challenged patients in rural India. The foundation also conducts ongoing research and develops curricula to increase mental health education.
Since its creation in 2010, MINDS has increased the level of mental health education and treatment, overcoming various challenges for rural health workers in the country. The organization focuses on the education of the entire community in each village by social workers; provides free and effective treatment for any mentally disabled person who wishes to receive assistance and helps each patient to reintegrate into the local community after treatment.
The Live, Love, Laugh Foundation (TLLLF)
The Live Love Laugh Foundation was founded in 2015 by actress Deepika Padukone and aims to bring hope to all people experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression. The Foundation uses its visibility and extensive network to raise awareness, normalize conversations, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Combine domain knowledge and expertise to carefully curate and disseminate information that is easily consumable to any audience.
All of the Foundation’s programs are carried out and implemented through collaborations and partnerships with similar organizations working in the field of mental health.
Jai Vakeel Foundation and Research Center
The Jai Vakeel Foundation and Research Center (JVF), a 75-year-old nonprofit organization, is the oldest and largest nonprofit organization working with people with intellectual disabilities. What started as a small house to educate and give therapy to a few children has expanded to a two-acre campus in Mumbai’s Sewri, with two rural branches in Pune and Nashik districts.
JVF serves more than 3,000 people per year in all age groups and different levels of intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and visual or hearing impairment.
To integrate the mentally ill into mainstream society, JVF provides holistic services in four broad categories of health care, education, skills development, and support services.
Asadeep
Founded in 1996, Ashadeep’s mission is to help people with mental disorders and their families through local rehabilitation centers in the northeastern states of India.
More than 360 people with mental illness and intellectual disabilities have received education, therapy, and training in sports and vocational activities at the Ashadeep Day Rehabilitation Center. More than 600 homeless people with mental disabilities have been housed and treated in rehabilitation centers, of which 550 have been reintegrated with their families. More than 1,000 people in Guwahati and more than 2,000 in rural Assam have benefited through its open-air Psychiatric Clinic and Outreach Camps.
Neptune Foundation
Established in 2010, the Neptune Foundation has contributed to the economic development of vulnerable people in local communities and society at large.
The Foundation identifies homeless people with mental problems who wander the streets, adopts them and organizes their treatment. Once they are healed and have their memory back, the organization tracks down their families and reunites them. In addition, they pay the cost of drugs for the lifetime of those gathered who cannot afford drugs.
People with mental health problems also receive vocational training until their family is located and reunited. Vocational training acts as a mental stimulant and helps them to continue working even after returning home.
the banyan
Based in Chennai, The Banyan provides care for poor and homeless people with mental health problems in Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Services include housing in rural and urban neighborhoods, hospital care, and community and clinic mental health solutions.
The Foundation focuses on transformative social justice and its efforts ensure that homeless people with mental health challenges make journeys back to their families, return to work, regain social relationships, and pursue the life of their choice. Its programs include sponsorship of psychiatrists and inpatient physicians. The Banyan operates rural and urban clinics, rescuing and caring for mentally challenged patients.
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