Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, and it is crucial to address mental health issues effectively to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of an individual. India, a country located in South Asia, is home to around 1.3 billion people. Mental health issues affect a significant portion of the population in India, but unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to mental illness in India. This article aims to explore how mental health is viewed in India and the availability of counseling or therapy services for English-speakers or expats in India.
Mental Health in India
Mental health issues in India have been attributed to factors such as stress, depression, and social isolation. Mental health is still a taboo subject in India, and many people still face social stigma and discrimination for seeking mental health services. However, the government has taken steps to address this issue, and mental health services are becoming more widely available across the country.
Counseling or Therapy Services in India
There are counseling and therapy services available in India for English-speakers and expats. Here are some major organizations that offer such services:
1. The Samaritans Mumbai
The Samaritans Mumbai is a non-profit organization in Mumbai that provides emotional support to anyone who needs it. They offer a safe space for individuals to talk about their feelings, and their trained volunteers are experienced in helping people deal with a wide range of mental health issues.
Contact Details:
- Website: http://www.samaritansmumbai.com/
- Phone: +91 84229 84528 (24×7)
- Email: talk2samaritans@gmail.com
2. YourDost
YourDost is an online counseling and therapy service provider in India that offers services to English-speakers. They offer individual and couples therapy services, and their team of licensed therapists is experienced in helping people deal with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues.
Contact Details:
- Website: https://yourdost.com/
- Phone: +91 95905 12021
- Email: support@yourdost.com
3. iCALL
iCALL is a free counseling and helpline service provided by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, India. They offer counseling and therapy services to individuals and families, and their team of professionals is experienced in dealing with a variety of mental health issues.
Contact Details:
- Website: https://icallhelpline.org/
- Phone: 9152987821 (Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm)
- Email: icall@tiss.edu
Other Organizations Providing Mental Health Services
Apart from the above-mentioned organizations, there are several other organizations in India that provide mental health services. Here are some of them:
1. The Live Love Laugh Foundation
The Live Love Laugh Foundation is a non-profit organization in India that provides mental health services to individuals and families. They offer counseling and therapy services, as well as support for those dealing with addiction and other mental health issues.
Contact Details:
- Website: https://www.thelivelovelaughfoundation.org/
- Phone: 1800 120 820050
- Email: info@thelivelovelaughfoundation.org
2. The Banyan
The Banyan is a non-profit organization in Chennai, India that provides mental health services to individuals and families. They offer counseling and therapy services, as well as support for those dealing with addiction and other mental health issues.
Contact Details:
- Website: https://www.thebanyan.org/
- Phone: +91 44 2615 2640
- Email: info@thebanyan.org
Conclusion
Mental health is a significant issue in India, and the government has been taking steps to address this issue. Despite the social stigma attached to mental illness in India, counseling and therapy services are becoming more widely available across the country, and there are several organizations that provide mental health services to English-speakers and expats. It is essential to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, and with the right support and treatment, it is possible to manage and overcome these challenges.