According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), mental health is the leading cause of disability globally. And the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that the world will face economic losses worth nearly US$1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030.

But in India, the scale is compounded by the sheer population. We have only 0.75 psychiatrists for every 100,000 patients, way off from an ideal of more than 3 psychiatrists per 100,000, says a paper published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 

The onset of COVID-19 further worsened things for Indians. Earlier this year, we saw that India ranked a miserable 136 in the World Happiness Report.  

There are multiple factors driving this decline, including unemployment, anxiety about health, lack of certainty about the future, and so on. 

It all points to the decline of overall mental well-being as Indians struggle to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Although there has been a welcome change in attitudes toward mental health, it’s still not enough. 

Why the change in attitude is not enough

Because for every person who does talk about the stress at their workplace or the anxiety they face in a social setting, there are others who silently retreat into the confines of the bathroom. To be precise, the WHO says one in seven Indians live with a mental health issue.

People who continue to be affected by thoughts of “what will people think.” People who continue to associate fear and shame with mental health issues. 

The result? 

An increase in the number of people who have reported self-harm and having suicidal thoughts and in death by suicide. 

“People still use terms like paagal, mental hai kya, so casually. Also, there is still a lot of stigma attached to mental illness, people don’t want to talk about this at all, says Anusha Tyagi, an Arts-based Therapist & Psychologist, Fortis Healthcare, to NDTV news.

But we need to talk. We need more awareness. More safe spaces. More open-mindedness and sensitivity. 

Why it helps to talk about mental health

Talking about your mental health issues helps in: 

• Breaking the stigma
• Understanding that you are not alone
• Knowing that you have support
• Reducing the risk of suicide 
• Forming strong relationships
• Gaining more confidence 
• Reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and a host of other illnesses

And most importantly, it can fight against existing stereotypes.

That’s why we decided to celebrate World Mental Health Day (Oct 10th) this entire week. Because one day is just not enough to say everything we want to say, or be heard. 

This week, we are urging people to share their stories and make mental health conversations cool. 

Mental health is not always talking about anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or others. Those are important. Yes.

But it’s also sharing that we feel alone. Lost. Confused. That we find it difficult to focus. That we worry we will never be enough. That we don’t know how to open up.

It’s also about celebrating that we can move through all of our traumas and reach healing.

It’s knowing you can live with compassion, empathy, resilience, love, peace, happiness, and calm. In knowing that you are worth it. That life is worth it.

Mental health, if you ask us, is always cool.

Join us and celebrate mental health

Our co-founder Smitha gets the conversation started, and she says, “I work out 6 times a week and go to therapy twice a month. I laugh the most during my therapy sessions where I am learning to lighten up and live my life with all its anxieties in a richer, wholesome way.”

Swati, also our co-founder, says, “I never thought I would go for therapy. I didn’t think I “needed” it. Yet, therapy showed me different aspects about myself and has helped me work on my blindspots.”

We want to hear your feelings. Honestly. Would you join us in celebrating mental health this week? 

Fill in this form and join us!