Overview

In India, approximately 7.5% of the population suffers from some form of mental disorder. The treatment gap, which is defined as the prevalence of mental illness and the proportion that receive treatment, is over 70%. Further exacerbating the mental health scenario, India has less than 4000 mental health professionals.

For Indian women, the situation is even more dire. The mental health of Indian women is further disadvantaged due to the country's sociocultural context and adherence to strict gender norms. For example, according to a report by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in India in 2007, a majority of the girls surveyed reported girl child neglect (i.e when girls receive less care and access to resources than boys in the same family). This situation intensifies as girls grow up with 20% of Indian mothers are expected to suffer from postpartum depression and with a global rate of 36.6%, suicide is the leading cause of death for Indian women between the ages of 15-19 years. Against the context of a lack of trained mental health professionals and a taboo around mental health conversations, a silent mental health crisis among Indian women has emerged. As the world grapples the extraordinary circumstances it now finds itself in, it has become more than ever apparent to recognise this silent crisis and respond to it.

Building upon the success of the pilot run of the Royal Conversations- Mind, Body and Soul (May 27th-June 10th, 2020; reach of 20 million), Royal Rajasthan Foundation, Dr. N.S Vahia Foundation and McLeans Hospital (affiliate of Harvard Medical School) have come together to address this silent crisis among women by raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health.

The objectives of the initiative are:

  • To create awareness on how mental health impacts the mind, body and soul
  • Remove the stigma around these issues and creating a more positive narrative- enhancing mental strength and resilience
  • Launch an online property with curated content from the series and user generated as well as an email address that people in need can access and write in to
  • Create an offline property that will enable deeper penetration and impact at scale

On-ground Intiative

Women's Access to Healthcare

Women's Access to Healthcare

Access to mental health care is a challenge in India, given the lack of services available and the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health. Marginalized communities face additional stressors and challenges in accessing mental health care.

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Testimonials

Rahul Dravid

Rajasthan Royals continue to be pioneers in so many areas.

Robin Uthappa

I'm glad my experiences can help others out there who experience mental health issues.

Varun Aaron

My pleasure to be a part of it.

Partners

  • Royal Rajasthan Foundation: Royal Rajasthan Foundation (RR Foundation) is the official philanthropic arm of the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals with a focus is on enabling women to manifest their potential.
  • McLean Hospital, Howard Medical School: Founded in 1811, McLean Hospital is a leader in psychiatric care, research and education and is the largest psychiatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School.
  • The Dr. N. S. Vahia Foundation (NSVF): A non-profit organisation with an aim to enhance neuropsychiatry in India.

Resources

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Good Nights, Better Days—Sleep's Relationship to Mental Health

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