Breaking the silence: A look into women’s mental health in India

Dear Editor, I am expressing my views on women’s mental health after reading the commentary “Bombay Begums—A treasure for social guidance films on determinants of women’s mental health”[1] by Abhilasha et al.[1] from the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. Mental health is a significant issue in India, particularly for women. Despite some progress in women’s rights, women face a wide range of mental health challenges like gender discrimination, cultural expectations, and social stigma, which make it challenging for women to seek help, leading to many cases of untreated mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health disorders affecting women in India.[2] Studies show that women in India are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. Gender inequality and lack of education contribute to women’s vulnerability to depression. Women’s mental health is also impacted by domestic violence. According to the National Crime Records Bureau,[3] approximately 20.5% of women in India have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of their partners. Such violence can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the 2019–2021 National Family Health Survey, 30% of Indian women report experiencing gender-based violence.[4] Another challenge to women’s mental health in India is cultural expectations. Indian society places a lot of pressure on women to conform to traditional gender roles. Women are expected to be obedient to their families, get married, and have children. Failure to meet these expectations can lead to social isolation and shame, which can contribute to mental health disorders. Social stigma is also a major barrier to women seeking mental health treatment in India. Mental illness is often seen as a personal failure, and people with mental health disorders are often ostracized by their families and communities. This stigma can make it difficult for women to seek help for mental health problems, as they may fear being judged or rejected. Access to mental health care is another challenge for women in India. Mental health services are often scarce, particularly in rural areas, and those that are available may be prohibitively expensive. Women’s lack of financial independence can also prevent them from seeking treatment for mental health problems. To address the mental health challenges, there needs to be a multifaceted approach which includes education campaigns to reduce stigma and increase awareness of mental health issues. Mental health services need to be more accessible and affordable, particularly in rural areas. There should be more emphasis on gender equality and women’s rights, which can contribute to improve mental health outcomes. In conclusion, the mental health of females in India is a significant issue that requires urgent attention. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are among the most common mental health disorders affecting women in India, and social stigma, cultural expectations, and gender discrimination are major barriers to seeking treatment. Addressing these challenges will require a comprehensive approach that includes education, better access to mental health services, and greater emphasis on gender equality and women’s rights. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.