Have you ever thought about seeking help but didn't go ahead with it?
What were the factors that blocked you from going ahead with it?
Seeking help for mental health concerns is still associated with stigma, It prevents individuals from seeking help. It is important to note that seeking help for mental health is a personal decision and it may take time for someone to feel comfortable enough to take that step.
Creating a more accepting and supportive environment for mental health and reducing the stigma around it can help more people to seek the help they need.
However, another huge reason is the lack of access to resources. Some people may not have access to mental health services due to financial constraints or geographical barriers. Even if resources are available, some people may be blocked from seeking mental health help due to inadequate funds. This is especially true for students — particularly young adults who cannot devote a set amount of money for the costs involved to access mental health support.
Since adolescents and young adults in India are generally dependent on their guardians during the early years of college, asking for money from their parents to get help for their mental health is a conversation many avoid due to a variety of reasons like stigma and lack of awareness. There might also be instances where a parent has invalidated or ignored the concerns raised by their child. Therefore, they may not be able to afford therapy on their own and pushes the child further away from seeking help.
Ways in which a young adult in such a situation can communicate their mental health needs to their parent
Be honest and direct: Explain to your parents that you have been struggling with some personal issues, and you believe that therapy may help you work through them.
Use facts and statistics: Share with your parents that therapy is a common and effective treatment for mental health issues, and many people benefit from it.
Highlight the benefits of therapy: Explain how therapy can help you improve your emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. You can encourage them to speak to a mental health professional to clarify any doubts or concerns.
Address any concerns they may have: If your parents have any concerns about therapy, such as the cost or the stigma surrounding it, address them directly and provide solutions.
Respect their culture and beliefs: Your parents may have certain cultural or religious beliefs that may influence their perspective on seeking help through therapy. Respect those beliefs and try to understand where they are coming from.
Suggest starting small: If your parents are hesitant about therapy, suggest starting with a few sessions to see how it goes.
Be patient: Remember that change takes time and your parents may need time to process and adjust to the idea of therapy. Be patient and don't give up on the conversation.
The lack of accessible resources further discourages students from seeking mental health support.
Where to look for therapists? How to make sure that the mental health service is actually credible or not? How to pay for it, etc?
For students who have not been able to successfully avail professional support for their mental health needs due to lack of finances, there are some mental health organisations and helplines which might help:
Mann Talks offers free and confidential emotional and psychological support through a team of trained mental health professionals. Contact: 8686 139 139 (9 am - 8 pm)
Sangath offers free and confidential tele-counselling services at 011-41198666 (10 am- 6 pm) or register here.
Therapize India is a platform for people suffering from anxiety and depression. They provide a range of support groups, and help you in finding the therapist that works the best for you.
Curated List Of Counsellors, & Therapists in India | TheMindClan.com
MindPeers is an online platform that matches people to specialised, qualified therapists at just Rs 300 per session.
iCall: Tele-Counselling Service by TISS: 022-25521111, 9152987821 (Mon-Sat: 8 am to 10 pm)
Tele-MANAS is a free tele-mental health care service initiative of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Use the 24/7 toll-free helpline- 14416 or, 1-800 891 4416.
Manas Foundation offers a toll free helpline number for availing free continuous mental health support telephonically across India. Manas National Mental Health Helpline: +91-80 6909 6909
Vandrevala Foundation | Free Counseling provide free mental health support and psychological counselling to all those who need it at any time. Call or WhatsApp: +91 9999 666 555
In addition to these, Mahima Kukreja has curated a detailed list of mental health practitioners for young adults at nominal fee/free here - List of Mental Health Practitioners for Young Adults at Nominal Fee/Free. Created by Mahima Kukreja.
Moreover, the Department of Sociology, Delhi University has curated a helpful and comprehensive crowd-sourced list of mental health service providers which can be accessed here - List of Mental Health Service Providers | Department of Sociology.
What can Educational Institutions do?
Educational institutions like schools and colleges can also play a role in bridging the gap of accessibility to mental health support. They can provide mental health education to students, staff, and faculty, to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and to reduce the stigma surrounding them. A typical mental health education curriculum covers a range of topics including the definition of mental health, common mental health conditions, the impact of stress and trauma, effective coping strategies, and resources for support. This would include training faculties on how to provide psychological first-aid to students. Ultimately, the goal of mental health education is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to maintain their own mental health, recognise the signs of mental health issues in others, and promote awareness around mental health.
Moreover, institutions can create a supportive environment by promoting a culture of openness and acceptance around mental health. This can be done through peer-support groups, campaigns, posters, workshops and events that encourage people to talk openly about mental health. This can take many forms, but the core concept involves providing support, encouragement, and resources to students by other students who have faced similar challenges. Some common examples of peer support programs in colleges include:
Peer mentoring programs - where trained student mentors offer guidance and support to other students.
Support groups - where students can discuss common issues, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, in a confidential and supportive environment and with facilitation.
Open-participation for activities that promote mental and emotional well-being, such as yoga, meditation, or creative arts.
Campaigns such as using nukkad-nataks for spreading mental health awareness.
Most importantly, educational institutions can make counselling services more accessible by providing on-site counselling services, or by providing information about off-site counselling services that are covered by insurance. Occasionally, they can also partner with community organisations that provide mental health services, such as local hospitals or clinics, to provide more resources for students, staff, and faculty.
Conclusion
The stigma surrounding mental health issues, lack of awareness among parents, and financial constraints can prevent individuals from seeking help. However, there are ways for young adults to communicate their mental health needs to their parents. There are also several mental health organisations and helplines that offer free and confidential mental health support and services. Finally, educational institutions, governments and mental-health care providers as stakeholders can also play a role by providing mental health education, creating a supportive environment, and offering mental health resources.
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