Indian Government Prioritizes Mental Health Amid Schizophrenia Crisis

The Indian government has intensified its focus on mental health in 2025, recognizing the profound implications of mental well-being on society. Earlier this year, the Economic Survey 2024-25 underscored that mental health encompasses a range of emotional, social, cognitive, and physical capabilities. A pivotal moment in this initiative was the inclusion of mental health services in the national health insurance policy, Ayushman Health Services, which aims to enhance access to care for millions.

Among the pressing issues in mental health is schizophrenia, a condition that has gained significant attention following a public statement from a former Bollywood actor who claimed he was incorrectly diagnosed with the disorder. This incident has highlighted the stigma surrounding mental illness, as well as the critical need for awareness and support for families burdened by care responsibilities.

Amrit Bakhshy, an 82-year-old advocate for mental health awareness, has become emblematic of these challenges. For over 34 years, he has cared for his daughter Richa Bakhshy, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. As a former president and now a trustee of the Schizophrenia Awareness Association (SAA), Bakhshy’s experiences illustrate the complexities of navigating mental health treatment and support systems.

Bakhshy’s journey began in 1991 when he received an urgent call from Richa’s boarding school in Dehradun, where she had suffered a breakdown following the death of her uncle. “The doctor diagnosed her with paranoid schizophrenia almost immediately,” Bakhshy recalls, underscoring the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis. Despite this early diagnosis, the path to effective treatment was fraught with challenges, including miscommunication from a psychiatrist in Mumbai who advised against medication.

As Richa attempted to resume her studies, her condition deteriorated. Bakhshy invested time and resources to find appropriate treatments, ultimately consulting a psychiatrist at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru. This collaboration led to adjustments in Richa’s medication, although the journey was often tumultuous, involving trial and error to find the right dosage.

In recent years, the narrative surrounding schizophrenia has shifted, particularly with increasing recognition of its treatability. Dr. Prabhak D Jain, an associate professor in psychiatry, emphasizes that while schizophrenia is a chronic illness, medical management can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. “You might be in remission, but you will always have it for life,” he notes. This perspective contrasts with the lingering stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help.

The SAA plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, providing support for families navigating the complexities of mental illness. Aarti Pandit, a psychiatric social worker with the association, highlights the societal reluctance to acknowledge mental health issues. “We rush to the doctor for a fever, but if we feel depressed or anxious, we often hesitate to seek psychiatric help,” she observes. This reluctance can have dire consequences, as untreated schizophrenia may lead to self-harm or harm to others.

Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Initiatives such as training psychiatric service dogs to assist individuals experiencing hallucinations represent innovative approaches to support. These dogs can help patients distinguish between reality and hallucinations, providing a sense of safety and companionship.

The Indian government’s commitment to mental health is further evidenced by legislative changes aimed at improving treatment standards. The revised Mental Health Act of 1987 now prohibits the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on minors and regulates its use on adults, emphasizing patient safety and human rights. Dr. Jain notes that modern ECT, administered under general anaesthesia, has proven effective with fewer side effects compared to historical practices.

Yet, the journey toward comprehensive mental health care remains fraught with ethical dilemmas. Dr. Milan H Balakrishnan, head of psychiatry at Masina Hospitals, highlights the complexities faced by healthcare providers when legal barriers hinder treatment options for unwell patients. “The law often prevents us from acting until a patient poses a clear risk to themselves or others,” he explains, illustrating the precarious balance between patient autonomy and safety.

As mental health continues to gain recognition in India, the importance of community support and understanding cannot be overstated. Personal narratives like that of Amrit Bakhshy serve as vital reminders of the human experiences behind mental health statistics. His dedication to Richa’s care has not only shaped his identity but has also positioned him as a compassionate listener for others in similar situations. “I don’t go for long holidays or remember the last time I went to a movie, but I find satisfaction in helping others,” he reflects.

The ongoing efforts to improve mental health care in India signal a shift toward greater acceptance and understanding of conditions like schizophrenia. As awareness grows, so too does the hope for a future where individuals can seek help without fear of stigma, paving the way for a more supportive society.