Addressing India’s Mental Health Crisis

 By Alan Fernandes

Every five minutes, someone in India attempts suicide, making it the third leading cause of death in the country. Cases of depression and suicidal tendencies are rising exponentially across all age groups, with mental illness now threatening to surpass diabetes, and escalate into epidemic proportions.

It is against this sobering backdrop that the Health Promotion Trust (HPT), guided by its mantra "Prevention is better than Cure," organised a workshop on Positive Mental Health. Fr Rocky Banz, Director of HPT, explained that the initiative aimed to provide participants with practical insights—what to do, and more importantly, what not to do—to ensure they and their communities live life to the fullest, without being drawn into the vortex of depression, despondency, and despair. This pioneering programme, launched during HPT's Silver Jubilee year, marks a significant new step in its mission.

Despite heavy rains, over 130 enthusiastic participants from parishes across Mumbai, and even as far as Nashik gathered at the Salvation Seva Kendra, Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar, on September 4, 2025, for a day-long session dedicated to mental well-being.

Insights from Experience: Sachin Chitambaran

The keynote speaker, Mr Sachin Chitambaran, brought with him unparalleled experience. Founder and Director (Training) at Connect Hut, Co-founder of Ankahee Suicide Prevention Hotline, and President of the Befrienders Initiative (an umbrella body for 14 emotional support helplines), he has spent 15 years working in suicide prevention, emotional support, and active listening—including moments of literally 'talking people off the ledge.'

His session was intense, interactive, and punctuated with both humour and sobering truths. At times, participants expressed shock and horror at stories of what can unfold even within the supposed safety of one's home.

Understanding the Mind and Body

Using the analogy of hardware (the body) and software (the mind), Sachin explained how both affect each other. He highlighted causative factors such as sleep, nutrition, biology, and addictions. He urged participants not to rush to label those struggling with mental illness, but rather to approach them with compassion, seek to understand their pain, and identify what triggered it.

The Role of Positive Parenting

Particular emphasis was placed on Positive Parenting. From the womb onward, children are deeply influenced by their parents. Sachin stressed that parents must love their children unconditionally—accepting them as they are—while setting healthy boundaries through respectful dialogue.

Shouting matches, physical violence, or even emotional neglect can leave lasting scars. Increasingly, children face trauma from parents prioritising digital devices over meaningful interactions, or worse, from witnessing violent domestic discord.

He warned against abusive practices—whether physical, emotional, or sexual. Many parents still cling to the outdated maxim: "Spare the rod and spoil the child." Sachin emphasised that physical punishment, often delivered in anger, can cause irreparable psychological harm. Instead, he urged conversation, patience, and mutual respect.

Emotional neglect, such as prolonged silence, or emotional blackmail can be just as damaging. Sexual abuse within homes was addressed with urgency, noting that young boys, as much as girls, face risks—often from relatives or trusted figures—leaving life-long trauma in its wake.

Understanding Mental Disorders

Post-lunch, the focus shifted to mental disorders: Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Addictions. Of these, addiction is the most misunderstood. Many addicted individuals mistakenly believe they've found a "fix" for coping, while well-meaning advisors dish out ineffective quick-fix remedies. Stigma and fear of judgment only deepen their isolation.

The first step, Sachin stressed, is not discipline or advice, but trust—helping them articulate the pain that drives their behaviour.

He introduced a colour spectrum model to recognise mental health states:

• Green: Happiness and stability; minor issues dissipate quickly.

• Yellow: Small challenges; loss of focus, procrastination, sleep disturbances.

• Orange: Chronic sleep issues, persistent rage, aggression, withdrawal, or weight changes. Stress hormones and neurotransmitter imbalances may surface.

• Red: Hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, feelings of being a burden. This is the danger zone, demanding immediate intervention.

Faith and Community as Anchors

Sachin highlighted the unique resources available within Christian communities. Parish life, Associations, and institutions provide fertile ground for seniors and others to engage meaningfully and combat loneliness. A SEVA mindset, he said, transforms both giver and receiver.

He further emphasised the healing potential of the Sacrament of Confession, describing it as a powerful tool to relieve guilt, pain, and mental burden, when practised sincerely and regularly.

Practical Tools for Well-being

Before concluding, Sachin encouraged participants to create a personal safety plan by writing down:

1. Three warning signs they experience when overwhelmed

2. Three strategies that help them calm down

3. Three people they trust implicitly

The Church's Commitment

The Church is deeply aware of the growing mental health crisis. Fr Rocky Banz introduced Mr Edwin Walker, who outlined the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) Health Commission's Mental Health Ministry. Its initiatives will focus on Education, Accompaniment, and Advocacy at the parish level, supported by an Implementation Guide and volunteer training programmes.

Volunteers—“barefoot counsellors”—will receive certification, referral resources, and grassroots guidance. 21 participants stepped forward on the spot to enlist as volunteers, eager to be trained for this noble cause.

The session concluded with heartfelt gratitude expressed to Mr Sachin Chitambaran, Fr Rocky Banz, Sharon Rodrigues (HPT Project Coordinator), and Diana – HPT's ever-smiling social worker, for ensuring the smooth and impactful conduct of the workshop.