With one in seven Indians living with varying degrees of mental health conditions and a substantial treatment gap, social campaigner and motorcycle rider Seher Hashmi is traversing the country on a 58-day expedition to raise awareness about mental health and tackle the stigma associated with seeking help.
Madurai: With one in seven Indians living with varying degrees of mental health conditions and a substantial treatment gap, social campaigner and motorcycle rider Seher Hashmi is traversing the country on a 58-day expedition to raise awareness about mental health and tackle the stigma associated with seeking help. Less than 1% of the country’s total health budget goes towards mental health services, while an estimated 70% to 92% of those requiring mental healthcare do not receive it, according to figures cited by them. Social stigma, fear of discrimination and inadequate availability of local mental health facilities were cited among the major reasons for the treatment gap.