Seeking help for mental problems remains taboo

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So when my Facebook wall read, ‘I think I need a psychologist,’ a number of funny replies came in, most of them asking why I needed one,” reveals a girl on the condition of anonymity. If you shudder at the thought of visiting a psychologist, read on. The old school of thought deters many from taking expert help when you’re going through a psychological crisis. And no, it has nothing to do with your educational qualifications, but a new survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on urban mental health reveals that even in a city like Delhi, where medical facilities are available and there is greater awareness about psychiatric illnesses, only 10-20 per cent receive treatment.
“There is a stigma attached to mental illness and people tend to avoid institutional health facilities available,” says Dr Nimesh Desai, director of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), who led the urban mental health survey in the capital. Youngsters who have been to psychologists tell us what makes it so hard for them to accept their problems in front of their friends and family.
Mahak Kapoor, an IAS aspirant shares, “I was going through an emotional breakdown when my parents separated. I didn’t know what was happening in my life, and then I decided to consult a psychologist. When I told one of my cousins about it, she thought I’m crazy. I decided to go in for counselling, but I did it secretly.”
Experts further tell us not many have the courage to face the truth when they are being told their case is serious. “I have found that people are afraid of being tagged as someone with psychological problems. They mostly come to us only when they can’t deny the possibility of a psychological problem,” says psychologist Rima Sehgal.
Even parents, who’ve sought psychological help for their kids have often faced tough times. Says Poonam Kumar, a mother of two, “My younger son used to stay isolated and was mostly lazy. While most family members treated this as just another growing problem, I realised it’s serious. When I approached a psychologist, I didn’t get much support even from my husband.”
In some cases when kids take a step in the right direction and want to seek help, parents are not very supportive. “When my psychologist insisted I tell my parents about my growing suicidal tendencies, I did and then my parents didn’t allow me to visit him again. I kept taking treatment without telling them. Today I’m much better,” says Shikha Khanna, a 30-year-old.
Few names have been changed on request