The Three T’s of Mental Health – Taboo, Trauma, and Truce

In India, the conversation around mental health is gradually gaining momentum, yet it’s often shrouded in the shadows of taboo, trauma, and the quest for truce. With an estimated 60-70 million people in the country suffering from common mental disorders, the significance of addressing these ‘Three T’s’ cannot be overstated. Statistics show that 1 in every 5 individuals suffers from some form of mental health illness symptoms. 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% of mental health conditions develop by age 24 (Contributors, 2023).

Taboo: Breaking the Silence

Mental health has long been a topic which has a stigma attached to it and is considered taboo in India. This cultural barrier prevents many from seeking the help they need. Despite the high prevalence of mental health conditions, societal norms often label these issues as weaknesses or failures, leading to a culture of silence. This stigma not only exacerbates the suffering of those affected but also contributes to a lack of awareness and understanding about mental health issues across the broader population.

Recent data suggests a pressing need to do away with these taboos. According to a report by the Economic Times, the stigmatisation and financial barriers surrounding mental health in India hinder timely treatment for those affected (Contributors, 2023). By fostering open conversations and integrating mental health education into schools and workplaces, we can begin to break down these barriers, encouraging a more accepting and informed society.

Trauma: Understanding and Healing

Trauma, an essential facet of mental health, often goes unaddressed in India due to the understatement of mental health as an issue. Traumatic experiences, whether from personal loss, abuse, or societal violence, can have profound and lasting impacts on mental wellbeing. The trauma not only affects the individual but can also ripple through families and communities, causing cycles of distress.

Acknowledging and addressing trauma is the first step towards healing and recovery. Mental health professionals need to be equipped with the skills to provide trauma-informed care, and individuals should be encouraged to seek support when facing traumatic experiences. The most important aspect of managing trauma is self-awareness, as this helps in acceptance and acknowledgement. The Mental Health in Asia report (2019) provides a stark picture of the mental health challenges across the continent, including India, where the prevalence of trauma-related disorders is significant. (Mental health in Asia: the numbers, 2019).

Truce: Finding Peace and Progress

The final T, truce, signifies the peace and progress that can be achieved when mental health issues are addressed openly and effectively. Truce involves creating a society where mental wellbeing is prioritised, and support systems are accessible and effective. It’s about individuals finding peace within themselves and communities progressing towards a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Developing robust mental health programs, increasing accessibility to mental health services, and integrating mental health care into primary health care are essential steps towards achieving this truce. As noted by Johannes (2023), discussing mental health within development programs can significantly enhance the overall wellbeing of communities, underscoring the importance of comprehensive approaches to mental health care.

The journey towards understanding and addressing mental health in India is complex and multifaceted. By confronting the taboo, addressing trauma, and working towards a truce, we can pave the way for a healthier, more resilient society. As awareness grows and conversations around mental health continue to evolve, there is hope that the stigma will diminish, allowing more individuals to seek the support they need and deserve.

References

1. Contributors, E. (2023, October 10). World Mental Health Day: ​60-70 mn people in India suffer from common mental disorders; stigmatisation & f. The Economic Times.

2. Mental health in Asia: the numbers. (2019, November 6).

3. Johannes, A. (2023, April 10). We need to talk about mental health in development programmes | IDR. India Development Review.