Beyond the headlines: mental health, stigma and the conversation Sushant Singh Rajput’s death started

If you are in distress or thinking about harming yourself, please reach out now. In India you can call Tele-MANAS, the government’s free mental-health helpline, on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, at any time of day. In an emergency, call 112.

The death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June 2020 shocked millions of people. Alongside the investigations and the news coverage, it also started an important conversation about mental health — a subject that many Indian families still find difficult to discuss.

A subject long kept quiet

For many years, mental illness in India was surrounded by silence and stigma. People feared being labelled, families worried about marriage prospects and reputation, and seeking help from a psychiatrist or counsellor was often seen as a sign of weakness. Mental-health services, especially outside big cities, were limited.

That has been slowly changing. In 2015 actor Deepika Padukone spoke publicly about her experience of depression and founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation — one of the first times an Indian film star had done so. In 2020, as people shared their own experiences online, the conversation reached many more homes.

What the numbers tell us

Mental-health conditions are common. The National Mental Health Survey of India estimated that more than one in ten adults experience a mental-health condition at some point, yet most never receive treatment. India also records a large number of suicides every year, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Experts stress that suicide is preventable, and that early support makes a real difference.

Recognising when someone may need help

Mental-health professionals suggest looking out for changes such as:

• withdrawing from friends, family and activities they used to enjoy;
• persistent sadness, hopelessness or irritability;
• changes in sleep, appetite or energy;
• talking about feeling trapped, being a burden or having no reason to live;
• increased use of alcohol or drugs.

These signs do not always mean someone is in crisis, but they are a reason to check in.

How to support someone

• Ask and listen. Asking someone directly how they are feeling does not make things worse; it often brings relief. Listen without judging or rushing to give advice.
• Take them seriously. Never dismiss talk of hopelessness or self-harm as attention-seeking.
• Encourage professional help. Offer to help them contact a doctor, counsellor or helpline.
• Stay in touch. Regular, simple contact can matter more than any single conversation.
• Look after yourself too. Supporting someone can be draining; it is fine to seek advice for yourself.

What has changed in India

India’s Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 recognised the right to mental-health care and largely decriminalised attempted suicide, directing that people in such situations should receive care rather than punishment. In 2022 the government launched Tele-MANAS, a free, round-the-clock telephone helpline available in many Indian languages. Many workplaces, schools and colleges have also started counselling services.

Where to find help in India

• Tele-MANAS (Government of India): 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 — free, 24 hours a day, in many languages.
• Emergency services: 112.
• Your local doctor or hospital: general doctors can assess you and refer you to specialist care.

Talking about mental health openly, kindly and accurately is one of the best ways to honour the people we have lost. If something in this article has affected you, please reach out to someone you trust or to one of the services above.