Why Mental Health Still Feels Taboo in 2025
Despite growing awareness and hashtags like #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay, mental health stigma remains deeply entrenched especially in India’s smaller towns and traditional families. As someone working closely with both patients at Supreme Hospitals and youth-led outreach programs, I’ve seen how many people still hesitate to seek help, fearing judgment or misunderstanding.
Sometimes it’s brushed off as a “phase” or blamed on weak willpower. Other times, people are told to be grateful for what they have instead of acknowledging their anxiety or depression. This silence is not harmless, it’s dangerous. It delays diagnosis, limits support and leaves individuals feeling isolated.
In this post, we’ll explore where this stigma comes from, how it shows up in everyday life and most importantly, what we can do individually and systemically to break the cycle. Because addressing mental health isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a public health necessity.
Where Does the Stigma Come From?
Stigma around mental health has cultural, social and even generational roots. In many Indian households, emotional struggles are often hidden to “protect” family reputation. Vulnerability is equated with weakness. People fear being labelled as unstable or unfit.
At Supreme Hospitals, we’ve met patients who ignored symptoms for years. One college student shared how she battled panic attacks in silence because her parents dismissed it as stress. Another elderly patient came in with insomnia, only to reveal that he had been grieving alone for nearly a year after losing his spouse.
Religion and tradition can add another layer. Mental illness is sometimes attributed to karma, spiritual weakness, or even black magic. While prayer and rituals can be sources of strength, they cannot replace professional care.
How Does It Impact Real Lives?
The consequences of stigma are real and measurable. Delayed treatment leads to worsening symptoms. People avoid therapy or medication, fearing gossip. In some workplaces, revealing a mental health issue can cost someone their promotion or their job.
In one of our recent mental health camps, a young woman shared that she stopped going to therapy after a neighbor told her she was becoming a “mental case.” It broke our hearts and fueled our mission.
The stigma also shows up in how society talks (or doesn’t talk) about suicide. Media coverage often sensationalizes or blames instead of educating. There is a lack of safe spaces to talk about depression or hopelessness without being judged.
What Can You Do to Support Someone Silently Struggling?
Start with listening. Don’t rush to give advice. Don’t say “just be strong.” Ask open questions like “How are you really feeling?” or “Do you want to talk about it?”
Watch for signs: withdrawal from friends, sudden weight changes, mood swings, or even unexplained physical symptoms like fatigue or headaches. These could be silent cries for help.
And most importantly, don’t wait for someone to reach a crisis point. Just checking in regularly with empathy can save a life.
What Are We Doing at Supreme Hospitals?
We’ve taken a multi-pronged approach. First, we’ve added in-house mental health screenings to our preventive health packages. When people come in for diabetes or thyroid checks, we also ask about sleep, stress and mood.
Second, we conduct awareness sessions in colleges, nursing homes and women’s self-help groups. These are casual, bilingual and non-intimidating. We use simple language, real stories and local cultural metaphors to make the message relatable.
We also publish myth-busting infographics in Tamil and English on WhatsApp and social media, tackling issues like:
- “Is therapy only for the rich?”
- “Can mental illness be cured with willpower?”
- “Does taking medication mean you’re crazy?”
These efforts are helping us slowly change narratives.
What Can You Do Right Now?
Start by listening without fixing. When a friend opens up, resist the urge to compare or minimize. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is: “I hear you.”
If you’re a caregiver or community leader, normalize conversations. Say the words out loud: anxiety, therapy, depression. Show that these are not taboo topics.
And if you’re someone struggling, please know you are not alone. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s one of the bravest things you can do.
You can also direct people to our 24×7 mental health helpline or book a confidential consultation with our clinical psychologists through the Supreme Hospitals website.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is health. Full stop. We can’t continue treating the mind and body as separate things. The more we talk, share and support one another, the more we create a culture where healing is possible.
At Supreme Hospitals, we’re committed to building a future where no one suffers in silence. Where therapy is as normalized as a blood test. And where every individual feels safe to say, “I need help” and be met with understanding.
