Why do Indians not believe in therapy?

Reasons why Indians may be hesitant to seek therapy Due to this, added to the heavy stigma attached to mental illness, an individual hesitates to seek outside help, as he/she may be viewed as ‘weak’ or ‘fundamentally flawed. Most problems are attributed to individual behaviour or outside interference.

What is the stigma around mental health in India?

Results: Of the total 445 respondents, the prevalence of stigma toward mentally ill people was 74.61\% (95\% confidence interval, 0.7057, 0.7866). The prevalence of stigma was high under all the four domains of CAMI scale. High prevalence of stigma was seen among females and people with higher income.

Why is mental health a taboo subject?

“Among some immigrant and refugee families, discussions of mental health problems or mental illness is taboo, due to a cultural perspective that mental illnesses signify being ‘crazy’ or ‘mad,’ thereby preventing families from seeking help because of fear of bringing shame on the family,” she says.

Is mental health still a taboo?

People are more reluctant to reveal they have a mental illness than to come out as gay, according to a new study that reaffirms warnings from campaigners that mental illness still faces a persistent social taboo.

Why did mind remain a taboo in psychology?

For many decades, the mind remained a taboo in psychology because it could not be defined in concrete behavioural terms or its location could not be indicated.

How does India view mental health?

In India, having a mental health disorder is perceived with a sense of judgement and there is stigma associated with those having mental health issues (The Live Love Laugh Foundation, 2018). Mental disorders are also considered as being a consequence of a lack of self-discipline and willpower.

Why is mental health a taboo topic?

Why mental illness is a taboo?

Almost everywhere in the world, mental illnesses are taboo. Affected people are said to be victims of witchcraft or possessed by evil spirits. Sometimes, society blames the patients themselves for their condition. Certain mental disorders are accompanied by peculiar or aggressive behaviour.

Is mental health a taboo topic?

How many people suffer from depression in India?

A 2011 World Health Organisation-sponsored study found that 36\% of Indians suffered from a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) within their lifetime. That means India has the most number of people in the world who suffer from some form of depression at some point in their lives.

Why is there a stigma of depression in India?

That means India has the most number of people in the world who suffer from some form of depression at some point in their lives. The social pressure to be “normal” manifests in unhealthy stigma and pressure against getting help. Stigma to appear normal. Stigma to keep the family drama invisible.

What is the treatment gap for mental health disorders in India?

Regardless of disorder, however, data compiled by IndiaSpend and WHO reveal a staggering treatment gap for all mental health disorders in India: only 10\% of patients in the country get treated. In comparison, in the US, that figure is 44\%. In South Korea, 82\% gets access to treatment.

What prevents people from seeking help for Mental Health in India?

During a televised expert panel discussion on NDTV in 2017, Chaitali Sinha, a psychologist at HAQ: Center for Child Rights in India and a practitioner-researcher with the global Mental Health Innovation Network, deplored the “cocktail of stigma and ignorance” that prevents people from seeking help.