Breaking the Mental Health Stigma: Why Seeking Help Is a Sign of Strength
Mental health has long been the silent struggle that millions face behind closed doors. In India, where family honour, social standing, and cultural expectations often take precedence, acknowledging psychological distress can feel like admitting defeat. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Seeking help for mental health concerns is not a sign of weakness—it is one of the most courageous decisions a person can make.
As a psychologist practising in Hyderabad for over 15 years, I have witnessed countless individuals transform their lives simply by taking that first brave step through my door. Today, I want to address the stigma that prevents so many from seeking the help they deserve and explain why reaching out is a profound act of strength.
Understanding Mental Health Stigma in Indian Society
Mental health stigma in India operates on multiple levels, deeply woven into our social fabric. To address it effectively, we must first understand its roots.
Cultural and Family Expectations
In our collectivist society, individual struggles are often viewed through the lens of family reputation. When Rajesh (name changed), a 32-year-old IT professional from Hyderabad, first came to see me, he shared that his parents had initially dismissed his anxiety as "overthinking." His mother had suggested he simply needed to get married and settle down. His father believed that morning walks and yoga would "fix everything."
This well-meaning but misguided response is common. Many families view mental health issues as character flaws or spiritual deficiencies rather than genuine health concerns requiring professional intervention. The belief that family matters should stay within the family prevents many from seeking outside help.
The "Log Kya Kahenge" Syndrome
Perhaps no phrase captures the weight of social pressure better than "log kya kahenge" (what will people say). This fear of social judgement creates a powerful barrier to seeking mental health support. Families worry about marriage prospects, career implications, and neighbourhood gossip.
Priya (name changed), a 28-year-old teacher, delayed seeking help for depression for three years because her mother was afraid neighbours would find out. "What will happen to your younger sister's marriage prospects?" her mother had asked. By the time Priya finally came to therapy, her condition had significantly worsened—a tragedy that could have been prevented with earlier intervention.
Misinformation and Myths
Decades of Bollywood portrayals depicting mental illness as either comedic or dangerous have shaped public perception. The stereotypical "pagal" (mad person) character has created lasting damage. Many still believe that therapy is only for those who are "crazy" or that mental health problems indicate possession by spirits or bad karma.
These myths persist even among educated populations. I have treated doctors, engineers, professors, and business leaders who initially approached therapy with scepticism born from years of cultural conditioning.
Lack of Mental Health Education
Mental health education remains largely absent from our school curricula and public discourse. Unlike physical health, where we learn about nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention, psychological wellness is rarely discussed. This educational gap perpetuates ignorance and fear.
The Real Cost of Stigma
The consequences of mental health stigma extend far beyond individual suffering.
Personal Impact
When stigma prevents people from seeking help, mental health conditions often worsen. Mild anxiety can escalate into panic disorder. Manageable depression can become debilitating. Relationship difficulties that could be resolved with counselling may end in divorce or estrangement.
Arun (name changed), a 45-year-old businessman, came to me after a heart attack. His cardiologist had noted that chronic stress and untreated anxiety had contributed to his cardiac condition. For years, Arun had considered therapy a "Western concept" unsuitable for Indian men. That belief nearly cost him his life.
Impact on Families
Mental health challenges affect entire family systems. Children of parents with untreated mental illness often struggle themselves. Spouses become caregivers without support. Extended families may react with shame rather than compassion, further isolating those in need.
Economic Consequences
The World Health Organization estimates that India loses over one trillion rupees annually due to mental health conditions—through lost productivity, healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. When individuals cannot function at their best, the entire economy suffers.
Why Seeking Help Is Actually a Sign of Strength
Let us reframe the narrative entirely. Seeking mental health support requires several qualities that we traditionally associate with strength:
Self-Awareness
Recognising that something is not right—that your thoughts, emotions, or behaviours are causing distress—requires profound self-awareness. Many people go through life on autopilot, never examining their inner experiences. Those who pause to acknowledge their struggles demonstrate emotional intelligence.
Courage to Be Vulnerable
In a culture that prizes stoicism, especially among men, admitting vulnerability is revolutionary. It takes immense courage to say, "I am struggling and I need help." This vulnerability is not weakness—it is the foundation of genuine human connection and growth.
Karthik (name changed), a former army officer, initially viewed therapy as incompatible with his military identity. After months of insomnia and intrusive memories following his deployment, he finally sought help. "I thought soldiers don't break," he told me. "But I learned that acknowledging when you're wounded—whether physically or mentally—is what allows you to heal and continue serving."
Taking Responsibility
Seeking help means taking responsibility for your wellbeing rather than expecting problems to resolve themselves or blaming circumstances. It is an active choice to improve your life and relationships.
Investing in Yourself
Therapy requires time, money, and emotional energy. Those who commit to this investment recognise their own worth. They understand that their mental health affects every aspect of their lives—career, relationships, physical health, and overall happiness.
Breaking Through: Steps to Overcome Stigma
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health concerns, here are practical steps to overcome the barriers created by stigma:
Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is the antidote to stigma. Learn about mental health conditions from reputable sources. Share what you learn with family members. Many fears dissolve when people understand that depression, anxiety, and other conditions are medical issues with effective treatments—not character defects or spiritual failures.
Start the Conversation
Talk openly about mental health with trusted friends and family. The more we normalise these discussions, the less power stigma holds. You might be surprised to find that others share similar experiences.
Meera (name changed), a college student, started a mental health awareness group after her own therapy journey. "When I began talking about my anxiety," she shared, "so many classmates admitted they were struggling too. We created a support system just by being honest."
Choose the Right Professional
Finding a mental health professional you trust and feel comfortable with is essential. Look for licensed psychologists or psychiatrists with experience in your specific concerns. A good therapeutic relationship is built on respect, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
Consider Online Options
If visiting a clinic feels too exposed, teletherapy offers a private alternative. Many reputable professionals now offer online consultations, allowing you to receive support from the comfort of your home.
Focus on Function, Not Labels
Sometimes, avoiding diagnostic labels can help families accept treatment. Rather than saying "I have depression," you might frame it as "I am working with a counsellor to manage stress and improve my sleep." This functional approach can reduce resistance while still ensuring you get help.
Lead by Example
If you have benefited from mental health support, consider sharing your story (when appropriate and comfortable). Visible examples of successful treatment reduce stigma for others.
The Changing Landscape of Mental Health in India
There is reason for hope. Conversations around mental health are evolving in India. Celebrities and public figures are speaking openly about their mental health journeys. Workplace wellness programmes are expanding. Young people, in particular, are embracing therapy as a tool for personal growth rather than a last resort.
The COVID-19 pandemic, while devastating, also normalised discussions about mental health. Isolation, grief, and uncertainty affected nearly everyone, making it harder to dismiss psychological distress as rare or shameful.
A Personal Invitation
Throughout my career in Hyderabad, I have had the privilege of accompanying hundreds of individuals on their healing journeys. I have seen anxious students become confident professionals. I have watched struggling couples rebuild loving partnerships. I have witnessed people emerge from depression to rediscover joy and purpose.
Every one of these transformations began with a single act of courage: reaching out for help.
If you are struggling—whether with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, career confusion, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life—I want you to know that support is available. You do not have to face your challenges alone. Seeking help is not admitting failure; it is choosing growth. It is not weakness; it is strength.
Mental health care is healthcare. Just as you would consult a physician for persistent physical symptoms, consulting a psychologist for emotional or psychological concerns is responsible and wise.
Conclusion
Breaking the mental health stigma is not just an individual journey—it is a collective responsibility. Every person who seeks help, every family that supports treatment, and every conversation that normalises mental health care contributes to a healthier, more compassionate society.
The strongest thing you can do is acknowledge when you need support and have the courage to seek it. Your mental health matters. Your wellbeing matters. You matter.
If you are ready to take that brave first step, I invite you to reach out. At my practice in Hyderabad, you will find a confidential, non-judgemental space where your concerns are heard and validated. Together, we can work towards the life you deserve—one marked by resilience, clarity, and genuine wellbeing.
---Sudheer Sandra is a licensed psychologist and career counsellor based in Hyderabad, India, with over 15 years of clinical experience. He specialises in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and career counselling. To schedule a consultation, please contact his Hyderabad practice.