The Impact of Social Taboos on Mental Health Treatment in India

Mental health is an important aspect of health, but unfortunately in India, the issue is hushed. Stigma around seeking mental health support prevents many from reaching out to mental health professionals.

The Unseen Struggles Beneath the Surface

Mental health is not a topic of discussion in India, and people prefer to avoid it. People suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or any other mental disorder hear things like “It is all in your head,” or “You should just toughen up.” Not only does it negate the experience of the person, but it also prevents him or her from seeking further help from a professional.

Unfortunately, mental health battles get perceived as a sign of weakness or even a character flaw. In some cases, people are even labelled as ‘mad’ or ‘crazy,’ and this only worsens the situation. Such a label leads to untreated diseases, the worsening of symptoms, and, in some instances, death.

The Cultural Lens: Why Stigma Persists

India is a country with a very rich culture, which includes traditions, beliefs, and values that have been passed from one generation to another. While this cultural continuity has its benefits in many ways, it is one of the factors that contribute to the existence of mental health stigmas in society. Mental illnesses are not considered as diseases but as a form of superstition or a lack of character.

For instance, in many rural areas, people still believe that mental illnesses are a result of evil spirits or supernatural forces. This belief makes families seek help from spirit healers rather than from professional counselors.

The Role of Family and Community Pressure

Family and community are the two most important aspects of social life in India.Such a support system can be a valuable asset; however, it can also turn into an issue in the sphere of mental health. Individuals are supposed to conform to the standards of society, and any form of nonconformity is discouraged.

Families may discourage one from seeking therapy because it is considered shameful to the family. It’s commonly found that parents get worried that the child may not get a good partner if they are open about their mental health struggles. This pressure results in the creation of a toxic culture that allows people to endanger their health in an effort to conform to societal norms.

The Impact on Mental Health Treatment

The consequences of social taboos in mental health treatment are as follows: Stigma is not only a problem for the patients but also for the services and the reception of the services. The following are some of the negative impacts:

●      Symptom Onset: The patients often report late in the disease progression, and this hinders the management of the condition.

●      Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware that they have mental health disorders and therefore consider their symptoms as signs of physical illnesses.

●      Lack of Utilization of Resources: This is because although there has been an increase in the number of mental health professionals and services, they are not used due to stigma.

●      Isolation: As a result of fear, people isolate themselves, and they do not receive the support they need from their friends and family members.

●      Mental Illness: Failure to seek treatment for mental illness is likely to lead to its escalation, and this leads to an increased risk of the patient harming himself or herself or committing suicide.

Raising Awareness: The Need to Change the Narrative

Eradicating the stigma of mental health in India cannot be done by any one entity. This is why awareness is the first step towards dismissing the social prejudices that surround mental health. Schools, workplaces, and communities should encourage people to express themselves on issues to do with mental health.

Education is one of the most important tools that assist in this process. It is only when people understand that mental health conditions are akin to physical ailments and not a person’s choice, they are more accepting and tolerant. Mental health should be included in the curriculum so that the younger generations are prepared to handle their mental health.

The Role of Media and Influencers

As we already know, the media has a monumental  impact on people's thinking. Today, movies, web series, and celebrities are opening up about mental health issues, which is a positive sign. But even in the present generation, the portrayal of people with mental disorders is still stereotyped and dramatized, which only adds to the myths.

It is, therefore, possible for responsible storytelling to challenge such stereotypical portrayals. This is because when such personalities come out in public to speak about their issues with mental health, it becomes easier for other people to do the same without feeling as though they are the only ones going through such issues.

The First Change: Shifting the Perception of Seeking Help

The first thing that people need to understand is that it is NOT shameful to experience feelings of distress or go through mental illness. And that it is all the more okay to seek professional help to navigate through these challenges. Psychotherapy, counseling, and medication are not indications of weakness but tools that help people regain control of their lives.

Mental health professionals are supposed to provide the coping strategies that will be specific to each individual case. We do not avoid seeking the services of a doctor when we are ill, so we should not avoid seeking help when we are emotionally ill.

Conclusion: Taking the First Step Toward Healing

It is a slow process to bring a change in the mindset of people in India about mental health problems, but every discussion is a step towards it. It begins with putting an end to stereotyping, extending a helping hand to someone in need, and creating awareness of mental illnesses.

To all those who are suffering from mental health problems, please do not lose hope because there is hope out there. HULM Training And Development is committed to the improvement of your mental health, by providing you a space free from prejudice and shame.