Mental Health Matters: Signs, Support, and Suicide Prevention in India

16 Sep 2024

8 Min. Read

Last updated on 02 Jan 2026

When Malaika Arora's father tragically passed away earlier this month, it shook the country, sparking widespread conversations around mental health and the silent struggles many endure. This highlights an uncomfortable truth: anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide are more common than we think, yet they often remain hidden beneath a facade of normalcy. While the glamour of celebrities can make us forget, they, too, are human and face the same mental health battles we all do.

The issue of mental health is alarmingly significant in India, where the number of student suicides has more than doubled over the past decade. Despite a slight decrease in the population of 0-24-year-olds from 582 million to 581 million, student suicides surged from 6,654 to 13,044. The alarming trend shows a 4% annual increase in student suicides, which is double the national average.

Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are on the rise, especially in a fast-paced world filled with pressures from all directions. In India, the stigma surrounding these conditions makes it even harder for those suffering to seek help. However, knowing there are options, like suicide prevention helpline numbers and free counsellors, could save lives. Let's dive deeper into the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles and how we can help ourselves and others.

What are the signs of anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression don't always manifest in obvious ways. For some, it's as subtle as avoiding social interactions, while for others, it can feel like an overwhelming storm of emotions they can't escape. However, recognising the signs is the first step to getting help.

1. Constant worry or fear: Anxiety can feel like a perpetual state of worry, even when there's no immediate reason.

2. Feeling sad or hopeless: Depression often brings an intense sadness that doesn't seem to fade, no matter how much we try to distract ourselves.

3. Lack of interest in activities: Hobbies or activities that once brought joy suddenly feel meaningless.

4. Changes in sleep or appetite: Insomnia or sleeping too much, as well as drastic changes in appetite, are common symptoms.

5. Physical symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension can be physical signs of underlying anxiety or depression.

Why is mental health still a stigma in India?

Despite growing awareness, mental health remains a taboo subject in many parts of India. The notion that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of weakness or failure still lingers. Traditional societal beliefs often dictate that only "serious" or "crazy" individuals need professional help, which leads many to suffer in silence.

Social stigma can prevent people from reaching out for support when they need it most, and this is a dangerous cycle. Families may hide the issues, fearing judgment from others, while individuals might internalise their struggles, feeling like they're "not allowed" to be mentally unwell. It's important to break this stigma and encourage open, compassionate conversations about mental health.

How can suicide prevention helplines help?

Suicide prevention helpline numbers can be life-saving resources. These numbers offer a non-judgmental space where anyone feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or suicidal can speak with trained counsellors who provide emotional support and guidance. In India, helplines such as Tele MANAS, NIH, and Vandrevala Foundation offer free and confidential counselling services.

These helplines are available 24/7, meaning that no matter when you're struggling, there is always someone you can reach out to. Even if you're unsure about what you're feeling, a call can help clarify your emotions and guide you toward the right resources.

Here are some suicide prevention helpline numbers in India that you can reach out to:

Tele MANAS (14416)
NIH (988)
Vandrevala Foundation (9999666555)

If you ever feel that you have nowhere to turn, remember that these helplines are there to listen, understand, and provide support.

Why are free counsellors important for mental health care?

Access to mental health professionals is crucial, but not everyone can afford it. Thankfully, there are free counsellors and non-profit organisations in India that are making mental health care more accessible. Organisations like iCALL, Sangath, and AASRA offer free counselling and therapy services to those in need.

These services play an important role in suicide prevention, as many people may not seek help simply due to the financial burden. By providing free or low-cost counselling, these organisations ensure that mental health care is within reach for everyone, regardless of their economic background.

iCALL is one such service that operates under the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and offers counselling via phone and email. Sangath offers mental health services with a focus on marginalised communities, and The Live Love Laugh Foundation works to reduce stigma and provide resources for mental health care.

What can you do if someone you know is struggling?

If someone you know is showing signs of anxiety, depression, or even suicidal thoughts, knowing how to support them can make a huge difference. Here are some ways you can help:

1. Listen without judgment

Sometimes, all someone needs is a compassionate ear. Let them talk about their feelings without interrupting or offering immediate solutions.

2. Encourage them to seek help

Gently suggest they talk to a professional or use a suicide prevention helpline. Reassure them that seeking help is a sign of strength.

3. Check in regularly

Don’t just ask how they’re doing once. Continue to check on them, even if they don’t always seem eager to talk. Your consistency can show them that you care.

4. Offer to accompany them to a counsellor or therapy session

The thought of seeking help can be daunting, but knowing they won’t have to do it alone can ease their anxiety.

5. Remove potential means of harm

If you know someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it may help to temporarily remove anything they could use to harm themselves, such as medications or sharp objects, until they are in a safer mental state.

Social media is often a double-edged sword when it comes to mental health. On one hand, it provides a platform for individuals to express their emotions, find support groups, and raise awareness about mental health issues. On the other hand, the constant exposure to curated, "perfect" lives can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.

Malaika Arora’s life, like many other celebrities, is often under the public eye on social media platforms. While we may admire the glamorous aspects of her life, we must remember that what we see is only a fraction of the reality. Behind the filters and polished photos, even the brightest stars can struggle with mental health challenges.

It’s important to be mindful of our social media consumption. Limiting time spent online, unfollowing accounts that make us feel worse about ourselves, and focusing on authentic connections can help protect our mental well-being.

Are there ways to cope with anxiety and depression at home?

While professional help is essential for managing severe mental health issues, there are also small, everyday changes you can make to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression:

1. Exercise regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" hormones, which can boost your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.

2. Practice mindfulness: Meditation, yoga, or even simple deep-breathing exercises can help ground you in the present moment, easing feelings of panic or overwhelming sadness.

3. Stay connected: Isolation can worsen anxiety and depression, so make an effort to stay connected with loved ones, even if it’s just a phone call or text.

4. Set small, achievable goals: Depression can make even basic tasks feel impossible. Break your day into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

5. Limit alcohol and caffeine: Both substances can intensify anxiety and disrupt your sleep patterns, which can, in turn, worsen depression symptoms.

The future of mental health care in India

The good news is that awareness of mental health issues is growing in India. Public figures like Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan have openly spoken about their struggles with depression and anxiety, helping to break the stigma and encourage others to seek help.

Government initiatives, like the introduction of suicide prevention helpline numbers and mental health awareness campaigns, are steps in the right direction. Mental health organisations are pushing for better policies and resources, while technology has enabled access to free counsellors through online platforms and mobile apps.

However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that mental health care is accessible to everyone. We need more open conversations, more understanding, and more support systems in place to help those struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Moving forward

Mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts don't discriminate; they affect people from all walks of life, including celebrities like Malaika Arora’s father. By understanding the importance of recognising these struggles, using resources like suicide prevention helpline numbers, and supporting free counsellors in India, we can help break the stigma and encourage more people to seek help.

It’s time to make mental health a priority, not a taboo. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels safe seeking support and where no one has to suffer in silence.

References

Note: The information shared in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to consult a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. Always seek the guidance of a medical expert with any questions you may have regarding mental health conditions and treatment options.