Awareness of Mental Wellbeing in Urban India: Breaking the Silence Beyond Gender by  Sonali Ojha,  Psychologist, PhD Scholar

Despite rapid urbanisation, technological advancement, and increasing exposure to global conversations on mental health, India continues to grapple with deep-rooted stigma surrounding psychological wellbeing. In my August, 2025 research study, “Awareness of Mental Wellbeing in Urban India: A Structured Study,” published in IJISRT, I explored this issue through structured interviews with 100 individuals from diverse socioeconomic and professional backgrounds. The findings reveal a concerning and consistent pattern. Mental health remains a taboo subject, largely misunderstood and often equated with “madness,” irrespective of gender.

One of the most striking outcomes of the study was the universality of stigma. Contrary to the assumption that gender might influence openness or awareness, both men and women demonstrated similar levels of discomfort and misinformation. Participants frequently associated mental health issues with severe psychiatric disorders, rather than understanding it as a spectrum that includes everyday stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles. This narrow perception contributes to fear, denial, and reluctance to seek help.

Urban India is often perceived as progressive, with better access to education, healthcare, and information. However, my findings challenge this assumption. Even among educated individuals and working professionals, awareness of mental wellbeing was limited. Many respondents admitted they had heard the term “mental health” but could not clearly define it. Others believed that mental health concerns only arise in extreme cases and do not apply to “normal” individuals. This gap between exposure and understanding highlights the superficial nature of awareness in urban settings.

A key factor contributing to this issue is cultural conditioning. Indian society has traditionally emphasised resilience, endurance, and emotional restraint. Expressions like “be strong” or “don’t overthink” are commonly used to dismiss emotional distress. While these phrases may be well-intentioned, they inadvertently discourage individuals from acknowledging their mental health needs. Over time, this leads to internalised stigma, where individuals feel ashamed or weak for experiencing psychological difficulties.

Another important observation from the study was the confusion between mental health and mental illness. A significant proportion of participants equated mental health discussions with severe conditions such as psychosis or institutionalisation. This misconception not only creates fear but also prevents early intervention. Mental health, in reality, is an integral part of overall wellbeing, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social functioning. When people fail to recognise this, they are less likely to adopt preventive or coping strategies.

The role of media and education in shaping perceptions cannot be overlooked. While there has been a noticeable increase in mental health discourse on social media and public platforms, the messaging is often inconsistent or oversimplified. In some cases, mental illness is sensationalised, reinforcing stereotypes rather than dismantling them. Formal education systems, too, rarely include comprehensive mental health literacy, leaving individuals to rely on fragmented or inaccurate sources of information.

Interestingly, the study also revealed a paradox, that while many participants acknowledged rising stress levels in urban life, due to work pressure, financial demands, and social expectations, they did not connect these experiences to mental health. Stress was normalised, even glorified, as a sign of productivity or ambition. This normalisation further delays help-seeking behaviour, as individuals do not perceive their struggles as valid or worthy of attention.

The implications of these findings are significant. Lack of awareness and persistent stigma can lead to untreated mental health issues, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of severe psychological conditions. It also affects interpersonal relationships, workplace productivity, and overall societal wellbeing. Addressing this issue requires a multi-layered approach that goes beyond surface-level awareness campaigns.

First, there is a need for structured psychoeducation at all levels of schools, colleges, and workplaces. Awareness programs should focus on basic concepts, early signs of distress, and available support systems. Second, public discourse must shift from fear-based narratives to empathetic and relatable conversations. People prefer to go to religious leaders and preachers instead of seeking scientific help. Sharing real-life experiences and normalising help-seeking can play a crucial role in reducing stigma.

Third, community-based interventions can bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. Workshops, support groups, and accessible counselling services can create safe spaces for individuals to express themselves without judgment. Importantly, these initiatives must be culturally sensitive and inclusive, considering the diverse backgrounds of urban populations. Multinational Companies, Big Hospitals and all those organisations that create an impact within the society should come forward with mental health awareness drives. Mental health should be incorporated in the health insurance policies.

Finally, policy-level changes are essential to ensure that mental health services are not only available but also accessible and affordable. Integrating mental health into primary healthcare and promoting workplace mental wellness policies can significantly improve outreach and impact. There are many policies implemented by the Government of India regarding mental health like Tele MANAS: Digital Revolution in Care, The Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA) 2017, Decriminalising Suicide,  integration of mental health into the Ayushman Bharat ecosystem, National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) now emphasises life-skills education in schools and workplace stress management to catch issues before they escalate into crises.

In conclusion, the findings from this study underscore a critical reality, that awareness of mental wellbeing in urban India is still in its nascent stages, hindered by stigma, misconceptions, and cultural barriers. The confusion between mental health and “madness” reflects a deeper societal issue that cannot be addressed through awareness alone. It requires sustained effort, education, and empathy to reshape perceptions and create an environment where mental health is recognised as an essential component of overall wellbeing. Only then can we move towards a society that not only acknowledges mental health but actively supports it, beyond gender, beyond stereotypes, and beyond silence.
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