Uprooting stigma related to mental health

Bengaluru: Mental health is a widely spoken about and debated subject. Sadly, it is also the most misunderstood. Even in urban India, people treat it as a taboo topic without really knowing much about it, says Manoj Chandran of White Swan Foundation, a non profit organisation that seeks to bring about a positive change in the various prejudices surrounding mental health.

“The sad part is people don’t even know much about mental illness. Thanks to the stigma, they don’t come forward when they have a problem, even in cities. For a population of 1.2 billion people, India has only 4,500 psychiatrists!” he observed.

A survey undertaken by Nimhans last week also showed that more than 13 percent of urban Indians are affected by mental illness at some point of their lives.

“This dismal state of affairs is only growing.  There is a lack of services and the right kind of education. The government also plays a big role in this development. From rehab spaces to providing more access to the services, the contribution is important.”   

Started in 2014, the organisation is working relentlessly to spread awareness and provide correct information to the people. In this regard, he said, “We are working towards providing knowledge about mental health. Knowledge goes a step further than awareness. We realised that there is a huge deficit of access to knowledge on mental health that gave rise to stigma and ignorance. We also came to the realisation that music, literature and theatre could be a great way to make a difference.”

‘Moving Minds’, a platform put forth by the organisation, is based on this realisation. The first edition of Moving Minds will consist of three public events in Bengaluru this month, reflecting upon expressions of mental health in our music, literature and culture.

“We want people to unlearn what they know about mental illness and shift their mindset to see things the way they are. Different forms of art have a higher social connect. It will be an expression of sorts and will present interesting views on mental health and its stigma. Expression is the key to changing the attitude towards those affected,” Manoj said. The programme aims to make people aware about their contribution in fighting the negative connotation attached to it, he added.

“If a person has malaria, his family will rush him to the doctor. Why doesn’t the same thing happen with someone with poor mental health? Through this platform they will realize that a small change in their perception can help a colleague, friend or family member fight mental illness without embarrassment,” Manoj said.

The event will consist of a musical concert by folk-rock band Swarathma on Saturday October 15 at Church Street, a literary panel discussion at the National gallery of Modern Art on October 22 and a special discussion aimed at Kannada culture and the ingrained stigma in its society on October 29 at ADA Rangamandira.