Community bonding vital in HP having limited mental health care

Sometimes, life becomes chaotic, making us feel anxious, fearful or depressed. For some, these emotions pass with time. For others, they stay with them as heavyweight, affecting every decision, even relationships, and every moment of life. Mental health is our ability to cope with stress, make decisions and live a meaningful life. Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day is observed. This year’s theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” feels especially relevant for Himachal, where disasters have sadly become a

recurring part of life in recent years.

Scars stay beyond floods, landslides

In recent years, Himachal has faced frequent disasters like flash floods in Kullu and Mandi, heavy rain across the state, and landslides in Shimla and other hill regions. Families lost loved ones, homes, businesses and lives turned upside down. The physical destruction is visible but what remains hidden are mental scars. Many survivors carry trauma that resurfaces repeatedly. Locals often share how the sound of rainfall now fills them with dread. One girl says that she stayed awake through the night during heavy rain, terrified that the hills around her might collapse. Parents worry constantly about their children’s safety and elders struggle with grief and loss. “These scars are invisible but they stay long after roads are repaired and houses are rebuilt,” she adds.

Mental health challenges in Himachal Pradesh

The truth is that mental health care in Himachal is limited. India has only 0.7 psychiatrists per one lakh people, far below the WHO’s recommendation, and in hill states, reaching a professional is even harder. Geography, lack of facilities, stigma and discrimination add to the burden. Many prefer silence over sharing their pain, fearing judgment from society.

The youth are among the most affected. With unemployment rising, crop losses due to erratic weather and uncertainty about their future, stress levels are high. Instead of turning towards healthy coping, some are moving towards addictions and substance abuse, a growing problem in our Devbhumi that worsens family and social issues. Parents, too, feel helpless, watching their children struggle but not knowing where to seek help.

Communities as lifeline

Himachal is known for shared cultural bonds — villages can work together like youth clubs, panchayats and fairs where people can raise awareness regarding mental health. These same bonds can become lifelines for many sufferers. If we create safe spaces where people can openly speak about their struggles, we can break the silent struggle that person carry from mental illness.

Rehabilitation camps after disasters should not only have general physicians but also trained mental health professionals. Initiatives like Tele-MANAS (toll-free number 14416), started in 2022 by NIMHANS, is a positive step, offering 24/7 confidential mental health support in many languages across India. NGOs also provide free help, but “real healing will come when helplines are combined with local awareness and community-driven support”.

Small steps, big differences

Mental health is not only about professionals — it is hidden in small daily routines. A few minutes of meditation and deep breathing, relax the mind. A walk in nature and gentle yoga stretch can ease stress. Art and diary writing provides an outlet for emotions. Eating healthy food, good sleep routines, and practising self-awareness build inner strength. In Himachal, we are blessed with nature — the greatest healer of all. Walking through forests, planting a tree, spending time with our pets, sitting in temple in the hills or simply sitting beside a waterfall can bring peace. These may look simple, but they are powerful ways of coping with stress. “When struggles become too heavy, seeking help from professionals is not weakness but courage”.

Building hope together

Mental health isn’t something advance — it is the foundation of all health. Disasters may leave us vulnerable but they also show our strength as individuals and communities. If Himachal addresses stigma, strengthens its community support and gives the youth healthier paths, recovery will go beyond rebuilding roads and homes. It will rebuild minds, hopes, and lives.

From valleys to villages, Himachal can lead by example. Let us make sure no one hides their pain, no child loses sleep in fear, and no family suffers in silence. “It is okay to talk to yourself, to friends, to family, to your community and to professionals.” Together, we can create a state where every mind matters, every voice is heard, and every person has the chance to heal, grow, and thrive. “Let us breathe the pure air of the mountains in, and exhale the mental burdens out.”