Society has always had an odd perspective on mental health, especially in India. Let's have a deep dive on mental health in Indian society.

A Brief History

Psychology like gravity was always known as a concept. Like gravity in which the idea of objects being pulled down towards a force was known, psychology too was known by the ancient Indians in some way.
In the vedanta philosophy we've seen upanishad where the nature self (Atman) and the Almighty reality (Bhraman) was looked into, here consciousness was looked into Similarly, Yoga had mentioned methods of clearing the mind and obtaining self realization by meditation and breath control
The biggest per say for mental health was Buddha's philosophy in which mindfulness and meditation were greatly advocated and that in the eyes of Buddhists, in fact the understanding and transforming of mental states towards a form of liberalization is the essence of buddhism. In those times the above mentioned schools of thought were regarded as truly intellectual and were learned with dedication, in other words the idea of a mental state and consciousness was looked into.

Modern day India

But enough about the past, ancient Indian beliefs weren't all right, as we'll see many of those beliefs which are wrong have been spread even to the modern day
Indian society is rooted in traditions and cultural values that emphasize familial bonds and social roles while wanting communal harmony. Historically while ideas of self consciousness were looked into, they were sadly overshadowed by superstitions, karma, moral killing,force and supernatural forces. This has led to deep-rooted stigmas around mental health. In the modern day people who have mental disorders, diseases or disabilities are given treatment through rituals, prayers or consultation with spiritual healers instead of psychological help which is readily available. This doesn't include those who are shunned and or discriminated against in society for being born the way they are.
Here's a list of the biggest stigmas -

1. Weakness - Mental health issues are often seen as a sign of personal weakness or lack of willpower. This perception prevents individuals from seeking help for fear of being judged or ostracized.

2. Lack of awareness - Many people lack basic knowledge about mental health disorders and their treatments. This ignorance can lead to fear, misinformation, and the spread of harmful stereotypes. A big one being if a person is born with a neurodevelopmental disorder (disorders that influence the brain's development since childhood) then that person is considered crazy or useless, worst thing is lack of knowledge on these disorders can make them be raised without proper help and in the end lead a life filled with rage, unstable emotions and bizarre behavior around everyone.

3. Privacy and honour- The importance of family honour and social reputation can deter individuals from discussing mental health issues openly. Families may prefer to keep such issues hidden rather than seek professional help, fearing social repercussions.These problems can lead to the person with a mental health issue suffering even more than they do, most likely being told and gaslit that they're the reason their family suffers or is ruined. It's not uncommon to see suicides by people who were mental abused by their families for not accepting their issues. It's also not uncommon to see people with mental issues killed to preserve the 'family honor'.

4. Gender dynamics - Women, especially in rural areas, may face additional challenges due to gender-based discrimination and lack of autonomy. Men, on the other hand, may feel pressured to conform to traditional masculine roles, making it difficult to express vulnerability.

Media and representation

The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions. In recent years, there has been a positive shift with films, television shows, and celebrities openly discussing mental health. Movies like "Dear Zindagi" and public figures such as Deepika Padukone have helped bring mental health issues into the mainstream discourse, encouraging more people to seek help. Of course this doesn't apply to all movies. Movies like dream girl or atrangi rey show an atrocious representation of mental health disorders, and indian TV serials are so dreadful when it comes to mental issues it's no wonder that mental health is looked upon as craziness
News Networks always have a tendency to stay away from mental health issues. For example the burari case was barely ever mentioned as group psychosis and even when it was mentioned, the disorder itself was never explained in a proper manner giving the Indian people a bigger reason to be intolerant.
Education
As children were taught diseases of all kinds, we know what type of mosquito gives malaria and what type gives dengue. We know what tuberculosis is and what cholera is. We even know what type of diseases PLANTS can get infected by but never once will we ever be taught about depression, anxiety or even any basics on stress
Educational initiatives are crucial. Integrating mental health education into school curriculums can foster early awareness and reduce stigma. Programs that train teachers and parents to recognize signs of mental distress and provide appropriate support are essential.

The Government

The Indian government has begun to recognize the importance of mental health. The Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 is a landmark legislation that aims to provide rights-based protection to individuals with mental illness and improve access to mental healthcare services. However, implementation remains a challenge due to limited resources, lack of trained professionals, and infrastructural constraints. The government still barely pays for psychological research and psychological well being. Students are discouraged to learn or study in a psychological occupation because the payment earned or respect earned is quite low Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and grassroots initiatives play a vital role in bridging the gap. Organizations like The Live Love Laugh Foundation and The Banyan work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for better mental health policies.

Moving Forward

Here are a few methods to move forward and truly make society accept mental health -

1. Awareness - Sustained efforts to educate the public about mental health issues, debunk myths, and promote the benefits of seeking help are crucial. These campaigns should be culturally sensitive and reach diverse populations, including rural areas.

2. Improving access to care - Expanding mental health services, particularly in underserved regions, and increasing the number of trained mental health professionals can make a significant difference. Telemedicine and digital health platforms offer promising solutions to reach remote areas.

3. Improving prices - A big reason why people who even know about mental health and how to get help still refuse to go to a psychologist is simply because many times the price of therapy can be expensive. Continually paying 300-500 per session for a span of weeks can't be financially beneficial for the lower classes and to some extend even the middle ones

4. Accept the truth - People are spoiled by modern medicine and expect quick treatment. They can't seem to grasp that the mind is not a bone or a muscle which can be treated easily. Time and patience must be taken when it comes to mental health and especially when it comes to the client who's going through therapy, they need to be comfortable with sharing their thoughts and feelings and should be given a warm environment to heal in.

5. Community support -Building strong community networks that provide emotional support and reduce isolation can help individuals cope with mental health challenges. Peer support groups, helplines, and community-based interventions are vital components. Especially helplines since the average Indian never knows about a suicide helpline as we technically don't even have a national helpline

6. Empowering people -Encouraging individuals to speak openly about their experiences and seek help without fear of judgment is essential. Empowering stories and testimonials can inspire others to take the first step towards recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion I would like to say that Changing the perspective on mental health in Indian society is a gradual but necessary process. By fostering a culture of understanding, support, and acceptance, we can break down the barriers of stigma and create an environment where mental health is prioritized. It is only through collective effort—spanning individuals, communities, organizations, and the government—that we can ensure a brighter, healthier future for all