MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Every year, as the month of May dawns with the blazing onset of summer in India and many parts of the world, it also brings with it a quieter but far more crucial focus: Mental Health Awareness Month. For those of us who work in the field of mental health—whether as counselors, psychologists, advocates, or educators—this month serves as both a reminder and a call to action. It is a time to not only amplify the conversations around mental well-being but also reflect on the progress we have made and the challenges that remain.
As a mental health counselor and columnist, I have seen firsthand how the discourse around mental health has evolved in India over the past decade. From hushed tones and social stigmas to more open discussions in workplaces, schools, and families, there has been a palpable shift. However, the journey toward normalization and true acceptance is far from over.
The Importance of Dedicated Awareness
Why do we need an entire month to focus on mental health? The answer is simple: despite increasing awareness, mental health issues continue to be marginalized in public health discussions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Yet, stigma and misunderstanding persist, often leading individuals to suffer in silence.
Mental Health Awareness Month offers a dedicated window to challenge these stigmas, educate the public, and foster environments where individuals feel safe to seek help. It emphasizes that mental health is just as critical as physical health—both are deeply interconnected.
The Indian Context: Unique Challenges
India presents unique challenges and paradoxes when it comes to mental health. On one hand, we have ancient wisdom from Ayurveda and Yoga that recognizes the mind-body connection. On the other, the modern-day narrative around mental illness is often cloaked in shame, secrecy, or outright denial. The National Mental Health Survey of India (2015-16) estimated that nearly 150 million people in the country require active mental health interventions, yet only a fraction receives any form of treatment.
Cultural norms, gender expectations, and economic disparities compound these issues. Women, for instance, often face a double burden—expected to manage both household and professional roles seamlessly while suppressing their own emotional needs. Similarly, men are frequently discouraged from expressing vulnerability, reinforcing the toxic idea that strength equals emotional stoicism.
Youth and Mental Health: An Urgent Priority
One of the most concerning trends is the rising prevalence of mental health issues among young people. Academic pressure, social media comparison, and the uncertainty of the future have created a cocktail of stressors that our children and adolescents are ill-equipped to manage. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Indian youth, a tragic statistic that underscores the urgent need for early intervention and open conversations in schools and colleges.
As a counselor, I often encounter young clients grappling with anxiety, depression, and identity crises, many of whom say that they have no one to talk to without fear of judgment. This silence is dangerous. Creating safe spaces—both online and offline—where young people can express themselves is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
The Role of Media and Storytelling
In my dual role as a counselor and a columnist, I have witnessed the transformative power of storytelling. Media—whether traditional or digital—has a profound influence on shaping societal attitudes. Every time a film, TV show, or news story portrays mental health issues with sensitivity and accuracy, it chips away at the stigma. Conversely, sensationalist or inaccurate portrayals can set us back.
As writers, we have a responsibility to ensure that the stories we tell are not only engaging but also rooted in truth. Personal narratives of mental health journeys, especially from public figures, can be incredibly impactful. They humanize what is often seen as abstract or “other” and remind us that mental health issues do not discriminate—they can affect anyone, regardless of status, success, or background.
The Workplace: From Tokenism to Real Change
Another critical arena for mental health advocacy is the workplace. Over the past few years, many companies have started to recognize the importance of employee well-being. We now see workshops on stress management, mental health days, and employee assistance programs becoming more common. However, there is still a tendency toward tokenism—initiatives that are more about optics than genuine impact.
True workplace mental health support goes beyond a one-time webinar. It requires an organizational culture that prioritizes psychological safety, open communication, and flexibility. Leaders must be trained to recognize signs of distress and to respond with empathy rather than judgment.
Self-Care and Community Care: Two Sides of the Same Coin
In conversations around mental health, the term “self-care” has gained immense popularity. While it is wonderful that more people are recognizing the need to care for their mental well-being, self-care should not be viewed in isolation. Community care—support systems of family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers—plays an equally vital role.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a resurgence of community spirit, with people reaching out to help each other in myriad ways. This sense of interconnectedness is crucial in sustaining mental health on a broader scale. As much as we must nurture our own well-being, we must also be vigilant and responsive to the needs of those around us.
The Road Ahead: What Needs to Change
So, what can we do—as individuals, communities, and policymakers—to make mental health a sustained priority, not just in May but throughout the year?
- Policy Reforms: The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 was a landmark piece of legislation in India, emphasizing the rights of individuals with mental illness. However, implementation remains a challenge. We need stronger policy frameworks, better funding, and more mental health professionals to meet the growing demand.
- Education and Training: Mental health literacy should be integrated into school curriculums from an early age. Teachers, parents, and even peers should be trained to recognize early warning signs and provide appropriate support.
- Affordable and Accessible Care: Mental health services must be made affordable and accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status. Teletherapy and digital platforms offer promising avenues to bridge the accessibility gap, especially in rural areas.
- Inclusive Conversations: We must strive to make mental health conversations inclusive of diverse experiences—across gender, caste, sexuality, and ability. Marginalized communities often face unique mental health challenges that are overlooked in mainstream discourse.
- Empathy and Compassion: Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we need a cultural shift toward greater empathy and compassion. Whether it is a colleague going through burnout, a neighbor showing signs of depression, or a family member dealing with grief, our first response should be kindness.
Conclusion
Mental Health Awareness Month is not just a symbolic gesture—it is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where mental health is treated with the seriousness, respect, and care it deserves. As we move through May, let us remember that awareness is just the first step. Real change requires sustained effort, courageous conversations, and collective action.
In my work as a counselor and writer, I am continually inspired by the resilience of the human spirit. Every story of recovery, every step toward seeking help, and every act of kindness contributes to a larger tapestry of hope. Let us keep weaving that tapestry, not just in May, but every single day.
(The Author is Cofounder Bharat Dialogues, Academic Director, IIMM Delhi. www.poojapriyamvada.com. www.bharatdialogues.com, https://linktr.ee/soulversified. https://amzn.to/3acQbMM)
