At schools and colleges, students are often under immense amounts of stress, which may either manifest as a mental illness or further exacerbate an existing mental health condition. Implementation of interventions focussing on early recognition, mental health promotion and raising awareness about available treatment methods may be easier in educational settings such as schools and colleges. Further, teachers and motivated youth can act as effective gatekeepers, while also increasing positive peer interaction among the students. For more information about TLLLF’s School Program, look here.

42.5% of the Indian workforce suffers from mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and depression is the leading cause of disability in the world. It is, therefore, crucial to implement awareness and training programs regarding mental illness and their treatment among the working population.

GPs are often the first line of defense against mental health issues. Since certain mental illnesses can have physiological signs, it is not uncommon for most individuals to see a general physician before visiting a psychiatrist or mental health practitioner. It therefore, becomes vital to ensure that all GPs are trained and sensitized about mental health concerns. For more information about TLLLF’s GP Program, look here.

India is a collectivist society, and hence when we encounter hardships, we tend to speak to a friend or a family member. If the Indian community has some awareness about mental health concerns and their impact on individuals, then the friends or family members may find it easier to spot early signs of mental illness and then direct the concerned individual to the required resources.