Lights, Camera, Stigma: Mental Health in the Spotlight!

How about finally acknowledging the elephant in the room — the mental health stigma. Yes, it’s enormous, clunky, and awkward - much like trying to dance to a fast Bollywood number when you’ve got two left feet. But unlike a bad dance move, this stigma has serious consequences. Despite growing conversations around mental health, the stigma attached to it continues to persist, often driven by ignorance, fear, or societal conditioning. Let’s explore this issue further.

When Misunderstanding Leads to Mislabeling

Who doesn’t know the movie Taare Zameen Par? It shows little Ishaan Awasthi labeled lazy and careless by teachers and even his family. Familiar? His struggles with dyslexia are dismissed as a lack of effort, a reflection of how often society jumps to conclusions about behavior without understanding underlying causes. The emotional toll of being misunderstood can be devastating, as seen in Ishaan’s withdrawal and low self-esteem. His journey is a stark reminder of the importance of awareness and the harm caused by preconceived notions.

Let’s take another one of my favourite movies - Dear Zindagi. It shows beautifully how Kaira’s reluctance to seek therapy stems from societal judgment. The idea of “talking to a therapist” is still seen as a sign of weakness or failure by many, making it difficult for individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. This hesitation highlights a common barrier: the fear of being judged.

In Judgemental Hai Kya, Bobby’s erratic behavior leads to her being dismissed as “crazy.” Her struggles with mental health are overshadowed by society’s eagerness to reduce her identity to a single label. This reflects a broader issue: the tendency to stereotype individuals with mental health conditions, ignoring their complexities and humanity. Such labeling not only isolates individuals but also discourages them from seeking help.

Where do these movies draw their inspiration from? The real world, of course!

These stories may be fictional, but they mirror real-life experiences. Mental health stigma manifests in various forms: dismissing someone’s struggles as "attention-seeking," attributing emotional pain to a lack of resilience, or worse, ostracizing individuals for seeking help. This stigma perpetuates silence, pushing people to internalize their struggles rather than addressing them.

For instance, phrases like “Just snap out of it” or “It’s all in your head” invalidate genuine struggles. These dismissive attitudes are not only harmful but also prevent meaningful conversations about mental health from taking place. The fear of being judged often stops individuals from reaching out, which can have devastating consequences.

Mental Health Stigma: More Than Just Fiction

These stories resonate because they are real. Mental health stigma exists in countless forms—from dismissing emotional struggles as "attention-seeking" to shaming those who seek help. The consequences? Silence. Isolation. Fear.

“Just snap out of it.”
“It’s all in your head.”
“You’re just being dramatic.”

Phrases like these invalidate real struggles, preventing crucial conversations about mental health. Many people suffer in silence rather than risk judgment, often leading to severe emotional distress and even tragic outcomes.

So how do we change the narrative?

Breaking the Silence: What We Can Do

The first step in dismantling stigma is fostering understanding and empathy. Mental health struggles are not a personal failing—they are as real and significant as physical health conditions.

• Educate Yourself and Others – Learn about mental health conditions, challenge stereotypes, and share accurate information.

• Normalize Seeking Help – Therapy isn’t a weakness; it’s self-care. Encouraging open conversations can change lives.

• Be Mindful of Language – Words matter. Avoid dismissive phrases that trivialize mental health struggles.

A Call to Action: Be the Change

A child struggling with a learning disorder. A young adult hesitant to seek therapy. A person battling anxiety, depression, or trauma. They all deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported.

By addressing stigma, we create a world where mental health is treated with the care and respect it deserves. A world where seeking help isn’t met with shame—but with compassion and understanding.

It’s time to turn awareness into action. Are you ready?

Ranjita Praseed

Founder, The Psychle of Life